Changes in commuting behaviours in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK

•Some car and public transport commuters in the UK are considering a switch of transport mode once COVID-19 restrictions lift.•Positively, some will switch to cycling or walking but some bus/rail users will switch to a car for safety reasons.•Barriers and motivators have a role for car and public transport commuters when thinking about changing individual commuting mode.•The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity for theory-based transport interventions and actions at individual, social and micro-physical environment levels.