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

Mohammad Anwar Alattar, Caitlin Cottrill and Mark Beecroft
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Mohammad Anwar Alattar: Geography & Environment, School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UF, UK
Caitlin Cottrill: Centre for Transport Research, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK
Mark Beecroft: Centre for Transport Research, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, UK

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 13, 1-17

Abstract: Active travel (AT) has the potential to integrate with, or in some cases substitute for, trips taken by motorized transportation. In this paper we review relevant research on AT outcomes to address the potential of AT and emerging data sources in supporting the transport paradigm shift toward AT. Our analysis identifies physical, mental, built and physical environmental, monetary, and societal outcomes. Traditional methods used to acquire AT data can be divided into manual methods that require substantial user input and automated methods that can be employed for a lengthier period and are more resilient to inclement weather. Due to the proliferation of information and communication technology, emerging data sources are prevailing and can be grouped into social fitness networks, in-house developed apps, participatory mapping, imagery, bike sharing systems, social media, and other types. We assess the emerging data sources in terms of their applications and potential limitations. Furthermore, we identify developing policies and interventions, the potential of imagery, focusing on non-cycling modes and addressing data biases. Finally, we discuss the challenges of data ownership within emerging AT data and the corresponding directions for future work.

Keywords: active travel; emerging data sources; crowdsourced data; cycling; Strava; public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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