Abstract
Intermediate cities are urged to change and adapt their mobility systems from a high energy-demanding motorized model to a sustainable low-motorized model. In order to accomplish such a model, city administrations need to better understand active mobility patterns and their links to socio-demographic and cultural aspects of the population. During the last decade, researchers have demonstrated the potential of geo-location technologies and mobile devices to gather massive amounts of data for mobility studies. However, the analysis and interpretation of this data has been carried out by specialized research groups with relatively narrow approaches from different disciplines. Consequently, broader questions remain less explored, mainly those relating to spatial behaviour of individuals and populations with their geographic environment and the motivations and perceptions shaping such behaviour. Understanding sustainable mobility and exploring new research paths require an interdisciplinary approach given the complex nature of mobility systems and their social, economic and environmental impacts. Here, we introduce the elements for a multidisciplinary analytical framework for studying active mobility patterns comprised of three components: a) Methodological, b) Behavioural, and c) Perceptual. We demonstrate the applicability of the framework by analysing mobility patterns of cyclists and pedestrians in an intermediate city integrating a range of techniques, including: GPS tracking, spatial analysis, auto-ethnography, and perceptual mapping. The results demonstrated the existence of non-evident spatial behaviours and how perceptual features affect mobility. This knowledge is useful for developing policies and practices for sustainable mobility planning.
Highlights
Intermediate cities are facing complex challenges at the beginning of XXI century, which includes changing and adapting their mobility systems from a high energy-demanding motorized model to a sustainable low-motorized model
Promoting pedestrian and bicycle mobility is a cost-effective way to dramatically reduce environmental and socioeconomical impacts derived from the car-based transportation model and improve the population’s wellbeing
In an effort to contribute to this need, here we present three elements for an analytical framework to study patterns of nonmotorized urban mobility: a) Methodological, b) Behavioural, and c) Perceptual
Summary
Intermediate cities are facing complex challenges at the beginning of XXI century, which includes changing and adapting their mobility systems from a high energy-demanding motorized model to a sustainable low-motorized model. Active mobility ( known as non-motorized mobility) plays a key role in both developing efficient and equitable transportation systems and in moving towards more sustainable cities. Non-motorized modes are resource-efficient since they require less infrastructure (i.e. roads and parking space) and pose minimal costs for users, administrations and the environment. They can be integrated into the public transit systems providing versatile mobility access for everyone including: youth, senior citizens, people with disabilities or special needs and the economically disadvantaged that otherwise would struggle to travel independently. These modes offer a fun and healthy way to move within the urban environment and help to create more liveable communities and encourage efficient development (Victoria Transport Policy Institute, 2016)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
