Active Transportation Decision-Making against the Background of Air Quality Information Provision: Walking Route Preferences of German Residents

Koenigstorfer, Joerg

doi:10.3390/urbansci2010019

Cited by 9 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 32 publications

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“…Specifically, studies measuring, reporting back and investigating perceived exposure of cyclists and pedestrians are rare (see literature review of [22,23]). The few studies to date which provide cyclists or pedestrians with air pollution and related health information emphasize the potential of exposure communication for motivating users to take less polluted routes [24,25]. However, recent literature reviews show both, successful outcomes (empowerment, protective practices, measurably lower pollution), but also identify resignation or helplessness as a result of exposure communication [23,26].…”

Section: European Transport Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Informing about the invisible: communicating en route air pollution and noise exposure to cyclists and pedestrians using focus groups

Marquart

2022

Eur. Transp. Res. Rev.

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Active mobility and public transport are considered beneficial for health and wellbeing and valuable for climate change mitigation. However, cyclists and pedestrians have high air pollution and noise exposure alongside traffic, which adversely impact health and wellbeing. The measured exposure can differ from the perceived exposure, hence, communicating en route exposure is crucial. Therefore, this study investigates how to communicate route-based exposure to cyclists and pedestrians and explores if exposure communication, e.g. via smartphones, is worthwhile for healthy and pleasant commute. It is investigated how exposure feedback influences the motivation to protect oneself and how exposure information should be designed. Three focus groups with 20 cyclists/pedestrians living in Berlin, Germany, were conducted. Based on Protection Motivation Theory and Environmental Health Literacy concept, (1) experiences and practices after recognizing exposure were discussed and (2) information needs and communication strategies were developed. The results reveal a feeling of helplessness regarding the ubiquity and uncertainty of pollution and a heightened threat appraisal. Anger, anxiety and rejection were stated. Making sense of pollution levels and protective alternatives were central. A healthy routing app, including also pleasant route factors, was desired. However, information provision was also denied. Participants argued the responsibility should not be left to the commuters and planning for exposed road users would be crucial. Information provision may not be worthwhile if planning authorities do not provide healthy alternatives. People-centered approaches for tackling air pollution and noise exposure en route should be investigated further.

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Section: European Transport Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Informing about the invisible: communicating en route air pollution and noise exposure to cyclists and pedestrians using focus groups

Marquart

2022

Eur. Transp. Res. Rev.

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“…The exposure to these stressors changes as a result of agent decisions. Consequently, the model already accounts for behavioral changes based on information about air quality, which Koenigstorfer [73] found. The purpose of this case study is not to simulate exact predictions of environmental events, but rather to demonstrate the utility and potential of an agent-based model to be used in an exposure analysis to support environmental incident management.…”

Section: Conclusion and Outlooksmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Agent-Based Modeling Framework for Simulating Human Exposure to Environmental Stresses in Urban Areas

et al. 2018

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Several approaches have been used to assess potential human exposure to environmental stresses and achieve optimal results under various conditions, such as for example, for different scales, groups of people, or points in time. A thorough literature review in this paper identifies the research gap regarding modeling approaches for assessing human exposure to environment stressors, and it indicates that microsimulation tools are becoming increasingly important in human exposure assessments of urban environments, in which each person is simulated individually and continuously. The paper further describes an agent-based model (ABM) framework that can dynamically simulate human exposure levels, along with their daily activities, in urban areas that are characterized by environmental stresses such as air pollution and heat stress. Within the framework, decision-making processes can be included for each individual based on rule-based behavior in order to achieve goals under changing environmental conditions. The ideas described in this paper are implemented in a free and open source NetLogo platform. A basic modeling scenario of the ABM framework in Hamburg, Germany, demonstrates its utility in various urban environments and individual activity patterns, as well as its portability to other models, programs, and frameworks. The prototype model can potentially be extended to support environmental incidence management through exploring the daily routines of different groups of citizens, and comparing the effectiveness of different strategies. Further research is needed to fully develop an operational version of the model.

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“…Importantly, effective knowledge translation can remedy this gap. When evaluating the factors that influence AT decisions among German commuters, Koenigstorfer [ 43 ] discovered that effective and comprehendible communication of air pollution along roadways could encourage health-protective behaviours among active commuters.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Air Pollution Health Literacy among Active Commuters in Hamilton, Ontario

Ciarloni,

Newbold

2023

IJERPH

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The promotion of active transportation (AT), which has been broadly defined as a physical effort performed by the traveller to produce motion, has been a popular strategy to reduce vehicular emissions, improve air quality, and promote physical activity. However, individuals who engage in AT may incur increased exposure to air pollutants and thus potential health impacts. This research sought to determine how active commuters understand the health risks associated with air pollution during their commutes, and whether they engage in any behaviours to limit exposure. An online survey was adapted from the Environmental Health Literacy framework to assess air pollution health literacy among active commuters in Hamilton, ON, and generated a sample size of 192 AT users. Analyses involved the use of frequency tables and cross-tabulations for the quantitative data, and the Health Belief Model and thematic analysis to interpret the qualitative data. Results revealed that most AT users do not adopt behaviours that would limit air pollution exposure on commutes and exhibited low self-rated knowledge of the health impacts of air pollution exposure. Issues of perceived susceptibility and severity, barriers, cues to action, and self-efficacy all further impacted the likelihood of adopting health protective behaviours. Conclusively, air pollution is an often-neglected consideration among active commuters, with air pollution knowledge predicting the likelihood of behavioural modification.

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Active Transportation Decision-Making against the Background of Air Quality Information Provision: Walking Route Preferences of German Residents

Cited by 9 publications

References 32 publications

Informing about the invisible: communicating en route air pollution and noise exposure to cyclists and pedestrians using focus groups

Informing about the invisible: communicating en route air pollution and noise exposure to cyclists and pedestrians using focus groups

An Agent-Based Modeling Framework for Simulating Human Exposure to Environmental Stresses in Urban Areas

Air Pollution Health Literacy among Active Commuters in Hamilton, Ontario

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