Could smart research ensure healthy people in disrupted cities?

Abstract

Background Since the late 19th century, city planners have struggled to cope with new types of urban transport and mobility that threatened the existing system, or even rendered it obsolete. Purpose As city planners confront the range of disruptive urban mobilities currently on the horizon, this paper explores how we can draw on a vast body of evidence to anticipate and avoid unintended consequences to people's health and wellbeing . Methods This commentary involved a rapid review of the literature on transport disruption. Results We found that to avoid the unintended consequences of disruption, research, policy and practice must think beyond single issues (such as the risk of chronic disease, injury, or traffic management) and consider the broader consequences of interventions. For example, although autonomous vehicles will probably reduce road trauma, what will be the negative consequences for physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, chronic disease, land use, traffic congestion and commuting patterns? Research is needed that considers and informs how to mitigate the range of potential harms caused by disruptive mobilities. Conclusion In the face of new disruptive mobilities, we must: (a) draw on existing evidence to shape new regulations that address the ‘who, when and where’ rules of introducing new mobilities (such as electric assisted bicycles (e-bikes) and scooters (e-scooters)) of which the health repercussions can be easily anticipated; (b) monitor and evaluate the implementation of any interventions through natural experiment studies; and (c) use innovative research methods (such as agent-based simulation and health-impact-assessment modelling) to assess the likely effects of emerging disruptive mobilities (e.g., autonomous vehicles) on health and wellbeing and on the environment.

Determining thresholds for spatial urban design and transport features that support walking to create healthy and sustainable cities: findings from the IPEN Adult study

“…17,18 The recent increase in shared mobility services globally (eg, Uber or Lyft) has also decreased the short trips usually done by walking and cycling, and increased traffic congestion. 19 If people are to walk more, they need urban environments that encourage and support walking. 10,20,21 Urban design and transport features-including higher residential density, mixed land use, street connectivity, and better access to public transport, amenities, and parks-have been associated with more walking, [22][23][24][25][26][27] especially walking for transport.…”

What are the lessons from COVID-19 for creating healthy, sustainable, resilient future cities?

“…Creating resilient 15-minute cities for all will require a rethink of urban planning 32 , a commitment to delivering health-supportive high density housing, greater emphasis on the timely-delivery and financing of digital, and social infrastructure, and a compact city structure that ensures that all citizens have access to basic amenities required for daily living by active transport 25 . This necessitates a shift away from car-centric planning – whether electric, autonomous or not – and towards city planning that prioritises sustainable mobility: walking, cycling, public transport use and micro-mobility 59 .…”

A Literature Review of Emerging Research Needs for Micromobility—Integration through a Life Cycle Thinking Approach

“…Likewise, researchers often recognize the need for more studies evaluating the levels of noise exposure (also considering the predicted contribution of automated electric vehicles to traffic noise reduction). At once, new research should reflect the fact that when multiple commuting modes are used, the exposure may be greater than if exclusively cycling because of the surrounding high noise levels from subways, trains, buses, and other vehicles [36,41].…”

“…Governments have the onus to fund health and transport research regarding noise exposure affecting mode commuting in noisy urban areas. The disruptive environment should be researchers' goal, to inform policymakers on rapid changes [41];…”