A System Dynamics Model Promoting Active Transportation Modes for Urban Sustainability

Abstract

In the face of escalating energy demands and the urgency to mitigate climate change, active transportation emerges as a critical lever for sustainable urban development. Including modes of transport that require physical activity, such as walking and cycling, active transportation not only offers a pathway to reduce energy consumption but also curtails urban pollution. Despite such prospects, policy efforts have historically prioritized motorized vehicle traffic networks, often overlooking the broader implications for urban sustainability and climate resilience. This oversight underscores a missed opportunity in fostering environments conducive to active mobility. This study introduces a system dynamics model to scrutinize the socioeconomic impacts of promoting active transportation for energy conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction. By leveraging computer simulations, the proposed model could predict the long-term outcomes of various policy interventions, aiming to bolster public inclination towards active mobility. The analysis elucidates the dynamic interplay between policy initiatives and urban sustainability goals, offering evidence-based strategies to pivot towards more sustainable transportation paradigms. This work contributes to the discourse on urban planning and policy-making by delineating a roadmap for integrating active transportation into the fabric of urban development, with the dual aim of addressing climate change and enhancing sustainable socio-economic growth.