A Survey of Technologies and Recent Developments for Sustainable Smart Cycling

Abstract

Among the problems resulting from the continuous urbanization process, inefficient urban mobility and high pollution levels have been complex challenges that have demanded a lot of public investments and research efforts. Recently, some alternative transportation means have been leveraged as sustainable options for such challenges, which has brought bicycles to a more relevant setting. Besides the sometimes obvious benefits of adopting bikes for transportation, technologies around the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm have been advocated as important supportive tools to boost smart cycling initiatives. Actually, new technologies can be exploited to improve the efficiency of bike paths and parking spots, while reducing accidents and enhancing the cycling experience of the users. Therefore, in this highly vibrating scenario, this article facilitates the understating of current research trends and promising developments, surveying and classing recent works. Since there is a global interest for the promotion of cleaner and more sustainable solutions in large cities, this survey can be valuable when supporting new developments in this highly relevant research area.

A Critical Review on New Approaches for Chronic Disease Prevention in Brazil and Canada: From Wholistic Dietary Guidelines to Physical Activity Security

“…This situation requires alternative approaches, such as for example, walking meetings, which has been reported to also lead to social benefits ( 161 ), as well as some recently proposed solutions with promising results, including intermittent upper body ergometry, an attractive option for those who prefer to remain in the seated position ( 162 ), and low-cost standing desks, which are made out of cardboard, are suitable for use in different locations such as at home, and can have an inexpensive and environment-friendly recycling process ( 163 , 164 ). Despite the challenges involved in implementing public policies that contemplate widespread access to PA promotion and sedentary behavior reduction initiatives, especially in low-income settings, localized comprehensive interventions have been recently implemented in many countries, including Canada and Brazil, and must be scaled up ( 60 , 101 , 146 , 165 ).…”

“…This is aligned with a global action plan on PA, highlighting the contributions of an increase in active recreation, sports, walking, and cycling to a sustainable and prosperous world ( 145 ). Reductions in traffic volumes and speeds, along with improving infrastructure to provide safe and welcoming spaces for active transportation, lead to a decrease in traffic accidents and pollution ( 146 ). Other incentives to active commuting, such as bike-sharing programs, reduce automobile use and decrease fossil fuel consumption, thereby contributing to the mitigation of climate change ( 69 ).…”

The Role of Shared E-Scooter Systems in Urban Sustainability and Resilience during the Covid-19 Mobility Restrictions

“…In a world where shared systems have been used for a long time, especially shared bicycles and more recently shared e-scooters, the use of technology to collect data that includes temporal and spatial patterns can help understand people's behavior and the impacts and limitations of these solutions to promote urban sustainability [32]. Besides, if all elements associated with urban mobility are connected and integrated, much better decisions can be taken on a real-time basis [33].…”

Sources and Applications of Emerging Active Travel Data: A Review of the Literature

“…Sydney exhibited a surge in the willingness to cycle due to hygiene reasons and recreational exposure [24]. In addition, delivery services increased their reliance on cycling during this period [25].…”

“…Venter et al [126] incorporated pedestrian activities (running, hiking, and waking) to investigate the recreational use of urban green spaces during the COVID-19 partial lockdown in Oslo, Norway. Griffin et al [127] claimed that pedestrian studies are limited, while Oliveira et al [25] indicated that emerging micromobility and conventional non-motored vehicles (i.e., skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades) share common challenges and interests with conventional bikes. Cycling is suitable for journeys that are too long for walking and too short for driving [128].…”