Promoting Active and Sustainable Commuting: A Tool for Analysing Location-specific Conditions and Potentials for Walking, Cycling and Public Transport

Abstract

Active and sustainable commuting has a positive impact not only on the environment but also on individuals’ health. A shift from using unsustainable motorized transport modes to active and sustainable alternatives (cycling, walking and public transport) is desirable. To enable such a shift, it is important to raise public awareness and to call for joint efforts by individuals, employers, planning practitioners and decision-makers. In the ActNow research project, a tool was developed which provides location-specific information vital for promoting active and sustainable commuting. Applying GIS methods, heterogeneous data were analysed and integrated into a 500-metre raster. This raster is embedded in a web application, which provides users with a holistic view of commuter traffic, the accessibility of infrastructure, as well as the potentials, strengths and weaknesses at locations of interest for active and sustainable forms of commuting. The tool provides planners, traffic associations and mobility consultants with evidence that can support them to achieve improvements in traffic, the environment and public health.