Active mobility, equity and inclusion

Abstract

The expansion of urban areas in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has been marked by spatial fragmentation, unequal infrastructure provision, and accessibility gaps. In this context, active mobility - such as walking and cycling - has emerged as a key strategy to promote more sustainable, inclusive, and efficient urban environments. However, despite growing interest, significant gaps remain in the research agenda for active mobility in LAC. This paper identifies research priorities for advancing active mobility in the region, based on discussions from a workshop organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) during the XXII Pan-American Congress of Transportation and Logistics (PANAM 2023) in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The results highlight the need for further research on the social, economic, and environmental impacts of active mobility, including its relationship with health, safety, and transport equity. Additionally, opportunities for integrating active mobility with public transport and applying advanced data analytics to understand travel behavior were identified as key areas for exploration. By addressing these research gaps, this agenda aims to strengthen evidence-based policymaking and enhance the role of active mobility in sustainable urban development across LAC. Advancing this knowledge will not only contribute to reducing emissions and improving health outcomes but also support a transition toward more equitable and efficient transport systems in the region.