Alternative transport means in city centers: exploring the levels of use, typical behaviours and risk factors

Abstract

Alternative transport means (ATMs) such as e-bicycles, electric scooters, mobility scooters (for the elderly) and segways, suggest improved mobility for individual road users, with associated benefits of reduced congestion and energy savings. However, the urban space is not adapted to incorporate these means, while ATMs use the infrastructure built for vehicles or pedestrians and are not always in accordance with traffic rules. The growing use of ATMs is accompanied by an increase in related injury. This study aimed to characterize the scope of ATM use in Israeli cities, their behaviours at typical urban locations and risk factors, and to consider solutions for safer ATMs integration into the urban space. The study data were collected by means of an observational survey at 50 representative urban intersections, in 9 city centers. Regression models were adjusted to explore the relationships between the presence of various road users. Profiles of ATM users and their behaviours were examined. The models showed a direct relation between the presence of traditional transport means and ATMs, meaning that they are used for the same destinations in the city. The e-bicycle presence was generally similar to that of regular bicycles; it was low on roadways related to vehicle traffic, but more tangible on sidewalks, related to pedestrian traffic. At sites with higher vehicle volumes, more ATMs rode on sidewalks. Among most ATM users, except for mobility scooters, children below 18 presented about a third and the majority were young adults aged 19-34. Most ATM riders did not wear helmets. The study findings indicated that the ATM volumes in the cities are not negligible and should be accounted for in planning urban facilities. For safer ATMs integration in the cities, more bicycle facilities and wider sidewalks are needed, accompanied by enforcement and publicity efforts.