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Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 15733

Special Issue Editors

School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Zografou, Greece
Interests: traffic engineering; intelligent transport studies; traveler behavior; active transport
School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Architecture, University College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
Interests: sustainable transport; transport exclusion; public transport; active transport
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
1. Center for Technology and Society, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
2. Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa
Interests: urban travel behavior research; urban land-use/transportation interactions and modeling; human perceptions, lifestyles, and preferences regarding mobility; residential location choices; urban sprawl and travel behavior
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the 1960s and 1970s, car ownership was an indicator of wealth and was limited to households with significant disposable income. Technological advances and economic growth increased car ownership, with the majority of households in developed countries owning at least one car. To cater to issues relevant to car use, transportation planners and practitioners suggested the design and construction of new roads. The transportation system became car-centric, forming a car-dependent population in urban areas. The effects of congestion, traffic accidents, urban sprawl, and environmental pollution caused a shift in national policies. The term “integrated”, introduced in the 1980s, was replaced by the term “sustainable” in the 2000s, while today, researchers and policy and decision makers seek to create smart, equitable, and green cities. A major component of such cities is active transport, i.e., walking and cycling. The benefits of its uptake for utilitarian, but also for recreational trips include congestion reduction, improved safety, energy, pollution and cost reduction, and physical and mental health improvement. The question is whether the transition to active transport has been realized in urban areas in an effective manner. In particular, have cities been promoting active transport, and to what extent has it been adopted by travelers?

The scope of this Special Issue is to shed light on how the transition toward active transport in urban mobility can be realized for the citizens of urban areas. Case studies displaying the successful transition to active modes, utilizing data that demonstrate this effect, are of interest. In addition, examples demonstrating the failure of a society to promote active transport modes and highlighting the reasons behind this failure are also highly relevant. Comparative studies between success and failure stories are considered to be highly instructive.

A significant element considering the design of active transport is that it should be all-inclusive. The majority of studies, however, consider the population of healthy adults. Within this issue, studies focusing on different traveler categories, as opposed to only healthy adults, are invited. Examples include adolescents, elderly citizens, individuals with impairments, immigrants, and so on.

Contributory factors promoting active transport relevant to the built environment, trip characteristics and individual perceptions, attitudes, and sociodemographic characteristics have been thoroughly explored, providing an overview of active-transport-friendly environments and travelers. However, during the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, a substantial increase in active transport modes was observed, even in hostile environments where citizens normally use their private car. This indicates that other factors, in addition to the ones already established, relevant to a hectic lifestyle and the stress levels that it entails may be more important when it comes to mode choice. Studies contributing to our broader understanding of what the key elements are considering urban mobility and the transition to active transport, elaborating the new status quo, are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Ioanna Spyropoulou
Prof. Dr. Aoife Ahern
Prof. Dr. Houshmand Masoumi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • active transport
  • green transport
  • walking
  • cycling

Published Papers (8 papers)

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25 pages, 1699 KiB  
Article
Reasons to Pedestrianise Urban Centres: Impact Analysis on Mobility Habits, Liveability and Economic Activities
by Mari Luz Brownrigg-Gleeson, Andres Monzon and Adriana Cortez
Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16472; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su152316472 - 30 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1622
Abstract
Pedestrianisation entails the full removal of motorised vehicles. It promotes walking and active means of transport and has a wide range of benefits in terms of health, the environment, mobility and the economy. However, it often faces widespread opposition. This results in a [...] Read more.
Pedestrianisation entails the full removal of motorised vehicles. It promotes walking and active means of transport and has a wide range of benefits in terms of health, the environment, mobility and the economy. However, it often faces widespread opposition. This results in a lack of political will and, to a lesser degree, in temporary pedestrianisations, which can be reverted. We consider that infrastructural change and long-term pedestrianisation are key for long-lasting benefits and more resilient and sustainable cities. To explore and assess this, a survey of pedestrians and semi-structured interviews with businesses were conducted in recently pedestrianised areas of Madrid, a large capital city. Data on satisfaction and changes in mobility, liveability and business were gathered. Over 755 citizens and 38 local businesses answered. The results show high levels of satisfaction (2/3) among citizens, while 1/2 businesses consider it positive for their commercial activity. Car use has fallen, active means of transport have been fostered and perceived attractiveness has increased, although some congestion has been noticed in nearby streets. This and the rest of the evidence presented in this paper can be used to back long-term restrictive policies in other dense and busy cities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition)
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20 pages, 1006 KiB  
Article
Exploring Modal Choices for Sustainable Urban Mobility: Insights from the Porto Metropolitan Area in Portugal
by Hudyeron Rocha, António Lobo, José Pedro Tavares and Sara Ferreira
Sustainability 2023, 15(20), 14765; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su152014765 - 11 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1166
Abstract
Efficient and sustainable urban mobility is critical for contemporary cities, and understanding the factors influencing modal choices is essential for addressing transportation challenges in metropolitan areas. This study focuses on the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) in Portugal and aims to gain insights into [...] Read more.
Efficient and sustainable urban mobility is critical for contemporary cities, and understanding the factors influencing modal choices is essential for addressing transportation challenges in metropolitan areas. This study focuses on the Porto Metropolitan Area (AMP) in Portugal and aims to gain insights into these factors. Using data from the last mobility survey (IMob) conducted in 2017, a multinomial logit (MNL) model is used to analyze individual modal choices amongst private motorized vehicles (PMVs), public transport (PT), and active modes (AMs). The findings unveiled that demographic, socioeconomic, and travel-related characteristics substantially influence individual modal choices within the studied area. Moreover, probability scenarios highlight the importance of financial considerations, environmental consciousness, and accessibility to public transport in promoting sustainable transportation options. These insights have significant implications for policymakers and stakeholders involved in urban planning and transportation management. This study contributes to the literature by providing valuable insights into individuals’ transportation preferences and behaviors, facilitating decision-making based on evidence for infrastructure improvements and targeted interventions. By promoting sustainable transportation alternatives and reducing reliance on PMVs, this study aims to enhance the livability and sustainability of the AMP, aligning with long-term sustainability goals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition)
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17 pages, 7946 KiB  
Article
Defining Psychological Factors of Cycling in Tehran City
by Mahdi Rashidi, Seyed-Mohammad Seyedhosseini and Ali Naderan
Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3264; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15043264 - 10 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1134
Abstract
Studying active transportation (walking or cycling) is widespread in American and European research. Studies which include latent variables (LV) are growing to identify the exact results of determining the strategies to increase the utility of active transportation (AT). LVs help us conduct more [...] Read more.
Studying active transportation (walking or cycling) is widespread in American and European research. Studies which include latent variables (LV) are growing to identify the exact results of determining the strategies to increase the utility of active transportation (AT). LVs help us conduct more accurate research. LVs are defined as psychological factors such as feeling safe while you ride at night, and thus they are not subjective and hard to understand, but very important to consider in order to increase the utility of using AT modes. In the present paper, most of the previous studies on cycling were reviewed. Different variables, including subjective and LVs, were included to maximize using the bicycle utility and introduced to have better sight for future researchers to deal with modeling AT mode choice. This study applied the latent class analysis to a sample of 345 survey respondents in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, exploring the variables affecting cycling behavior and a confirmatory factor analysis, and a structural equation modeling (SEM) was developed. Results show the importance of having a ‘will’ for using a bicycle, especially in difficult situations, and in view of cultural barriers that affect women cyclists. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition)
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13 pages, 7703 KiB  
Article
Perceptions of Electric Scooters Prior to Legalisation: A Case Study of Dublin, Ireland, the ‘Final Frontier’ of Adopted E-Scooter Use in Europe
by Páraic Carroll
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11376; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su141811376 - 10 Sep 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2376
Abstract
This paper presents the results of a study conducted to examine pre-COVID-19 travel patterns, mode choice, and perceptions and attitudes specifically in relation to micromobility devices, namely e-scooters, in Dublin, Ireland. Given the novelty of this mode of transport and the notable current [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of a study conducted to examine pre-COVID-19 travel patterns, mode choice, and perceptions and attitudes specifically in relation to micromobility devices, namely e-scooters, in Dublin, Ireland. Given the novelty of this mode of transport and the notable current absence of e-scooter companies operating in Ireland (due to the legal status of such devices in Ireland at the time of writing), user data on electric scooters are lacking in the context of Ireland, which presents challenges for government and local authorities to develop appropriate regulations to legislate for their use. In this study, a survey was created that targeted individuals that live and work in the county of Dublin. The survey was used to examine the sociodemographic and travel characteristics influencing mode choice in Dublin; to generate an understanding of the existing and potential future demand for electric scooters; and to determine the perception of e-scooters amongst Dubliners. The main findings generated from the analysis of the survey results were the following: time followed by convenience were two of the main factors that influence mode choice, females were found to be willing to pay more than males for a shared e-scooter service, respondents with a daily trip cost of €1–5 were found to be willing to pay €4 or more for a shared e-scooter service, and 31% of respondents with a travel cost of €1 or less would be prepared to pay €2–3 for the scheme. These findings suggest that people would be willing to increase their daily travel costs in order to use the shared e-scooter service. Younger individuals on high incomes that were not in possession of a private car or a driver licence were found to be more likely to choose an e-scooter, and shorter trips (shorter distance and time) were associated with e-scooter mode choice. The results also determined that while the people in this sample of those living and working in Dublin recognise the benefits that e-scooters present to users and generally hold positive attitudes towards them, they are also wary of how they will be legislated for from a regulatory point of view in relation to speed limits, age limits, and legal riding zones to reduce the incidences of dangerous riding and collisions on roads and footpaths. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition)
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17 pages, 1139 KiB  
Article
The Land Use and Individual Correlates of Pedestrian Commuting: Who Walks to Their Work or Place of Study in the Large Cities of the MENA Region?
by Houshmand Masoumi and Grzegorz Sierpiński
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6377; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14106377 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1524
Abstract
The body of research on the determinants of pedestrian commuting and the characteristics of on-foot commuters at the international level and especially in the Global South is inconsistent; hence, this study focuses on this topic with the case of megacities in the Middle [...] Read more.
The body of research on the determinants of pedestrian commuting and the characteristics of on-foot commuters at the international level and especially in the Global South is inconsistent; hence, this study focuses on this topic with the case of megacities in the Middle East and North Africa. The study is based on 8284 face-to-face interviews with respondents in the three cities, 4543 of whom worked, and of those 4543, 658 individuals walked to their work or place of study. By using binary logistic regression, the determinants of walking to work were identified. Age, household car ownership, last relocation time, intersection density, number of accessed facilities from home, average walking accessibility to neighborhood amenities, and commuting distance are the significant determinants of on-foot commuting. The study identifies younger commuters with fewer cars or no driving license living in neighborhoods with connected street networks as the walkers. The results of the Mann–Whitney U Test show that there is a significant difference between the values of these determinants for walking commuters and those who commute by other modes. Based on these findings, this paper encourages urban planners and decision-makers of the MENA region to use urban land use, including street networks and access to local facilities, to motivate commuters to commute on foot, especially those who work within a walkable distance to their work or place of study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition)
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22 pages, 293 KiB  
Article
A European-Wide Study on the Effects of the COVID-19 Threat on Active Transport Modes
by Hector Monterde-i-Bort, Matus Sucha, Ralf Risser and Kristyna Honzickova
Sustainability 2022, 14(6), 3482; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14063482 - 16 Mar 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1336
Abstract
In the past year and a half, we have been forced to make many major changes which, besides other issues, have led to considerable changes in transport mode choices. While we observed an increase in the share of cars as a mode of [...] Read more.
In the past year and a half, we have been forced to make many major changes which, besides other issues, have led to considerable changes in transport mode choices. While we observed an increase in the share of cars as a mode of transport, we also observed an increase in the level of engagement in other active mobility modes, such as walking and cycling. Relevant literature shows that although the restrictions adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic have effects on people’s mobility behaviour, they can be viewed as a catalyst for positive changes as far as active forms of mobility are concerned. This work focuses on the thorough understanding of the changes in citizens’ needs and attitudes toward mobility and transport mode choice during the COVID-19 pandemic. To reach this aim, we analysed the responses to an interview consisting of eight open-ended questions about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic threat and situation of citizens in selected European countries and Russia. In total, 497 respondents participated by responding to an online questionnaire. The conclusions of this study confirmed that active traffic modes could benefit from the momentum generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this can only happen if appropriate preconditions can be provided, which is not the case so far. To prevent a massive return of private motorised vehicles into urban centres, we must focus on support for active traffic modes, specifically on the improvement of the preconditions, especially as far as traffic infrastructure is concerned. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition)
16 pages, 486 KiB  
Article
Students’ and Parents’ Perceptions of Barriers to Cycling to School—An Analysis by Gender
by Ross Higgins and Aoife Ahern
Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13213; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su132313213 - 29 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2016
Abstract
Internationally, there is increased emphasis on the need to reduce dependency on cars and to encourage more sustainable forms of travel, including active travel. To encourage increased levels of cycling, the focus has generally been on improving cycling infrastructure and on making cycling [...] Read more.
Internationally, there is increased emphasis on the need to reduce dependency on cars and to encourage more sustainable forms of travel, including active travel. To encourage increased levels of cycling, the focus has generally been on improving cycling infrastructure and on making cycling safer. While cycling rates have increased in many countries, including Ireland, women are often less likely to cycle than men. While there are some notable exceptions to this (for example, in the Netherlands) this phenomenon of lower cycling rates amongst women is common and research shows that the differences between male and female cycling rates can be seen from an early age. This paper explores the reasons why women are less likely to cycle than men, by examining the modal choices of school-going students, and the attitudes of their parents/guardians to their modal choices. The survey was conducted in the city of Limerick in the midwestern region of Ireland. The results show multi-factorial barriers to cycling to school for girls compared to boys. Uniforms, traffic concerns, physical efforts of cycling, effects on personal appearance, and peer-influences were factors affecting girls more than boys. Male parents/guardians did not significantly differentiate by the gender of their children in relation to factors associated with cycling to school, unlike female parents/guardians who were found to be significantly less supportive of their daughters than their sons. Additionally, parents/guardians were generally more likely to afford their male children greater independence in their school travel choices. While there are many considerations that would affect students’ perceptions towards cycling, an adjustment to the school uniform policy would, at least, remove the most significant barrier for girls. Further research must be carried out to determine how to shift the perceptions of the efforts associated with cycling, especially among girls, and how to encourage female parents/guardians to better support their daughters to cycle to school. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition)
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27 pages, 3653 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Potential for Healthy, Sustainable, and Equitable Transport Systems in Africa and the Caribbean: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review and Meta-Study
by Anna Brugulat-Panés, Lee Randall, Thiago Hérick de Sá, Megha Anil, Haowen Kwan, Lambed Tatah, James Woodcock, Ian R. Hambleton, Ebele R. I. Mogo, Lisa Micklesfield, Caitlin Pley, Ishtar Govia, Sostina Spiwe Matina, Caroline Makokha, Philip M. Dambisya, Safura Abdool Karim, Georgina Pujol-Busquets, Kufre Okop, Camille M. Mba, Lisa J. Ware, Felix Assah, Betty Nembulu, Gudani Mukoma, Warren Covelé Lucas, Nadia Bennett, Marshall K. Tulloch-Reid, Alice Charity Awinja, Tanmay Anand and Louise Foleyadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5303; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15065303 - 16 Mar 2023
Viewed by 2202
Abstract
The Human Mobility Transition model describes shifts in mobility dynamics and transport systems. The aspirational stage, ‘human urbanism’, is characterised by high active travel, universal public transport, low private vehicle use and equitable access to transport. We explored factors associated with travel behaviour [...] Read more.
The Human Mobility Transition model describes shifts in mobility dynamics and transport systems. The aspirational stage, ‘human urbanism’, is characterised by high active travel, universal public transport, low private vehicle use and equitable access to transport. We explored factors associated with travel behaviour in Africa and the Caribbean, investigating the potential to realise ‘human urbanism’ in this context. We conducted a mixed-methods systematic review of ten databases and grey literature for articles published between January 2008 and February 2019. We appraised study quality using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. We narratively synthesized qualitative and quantitative data, using meta-study principles to integrate the findings. We identified 39,404 studies through database searching, mining reviews, reference screening, and topic experts’ consultation. We included 129 studies (78 quantitative, 28 mixed-methods, 23 qualitative) and 33 grey literature documents. In marginalised groups, including the poor, people living rurally or peripheral to cities, women and girls, and the elderly, transport was poorly accessible, travel was characterised by high levels of walking and paratransit (informal public transport) use, and low private vehicle use. Poorly controlled urban growth (density) and sprawl (expansion), with associated informality, was a salient aspect of this context, resulting in long travel distances and the necessity of motorised transportation. There were existing population-level assets in relation to ‘human urbanism’ (high levels of active travel, good paratransit coverage, low private vehicle use) as well as core challenges (urban sprawl and informality, socioeconomic and gendered barriers to travel, poor transport accessibility). Ineffective mobility systems were a product of uncoordinated urban planning, unregulated land use and subsequent land use conflict. To realise ‘human urbanism’, integrated planning policies recognising the linkages between health, transport and equity are needed. A shift in priority from economic growth to a focus on broader population needs and the rights and wellbeing of ordinary people is required. Policymakers should focus attention on transport accessibility for the most vulnerable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Mobility and Active Transport Transition)
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