Promoting Sustainable Mobility: To What Extent Is “Health” Considered by Mobility App Studies? A Review and a Conceptual Framework

Abstract

Promoting cycling and walking in cities improves individual health and wellbeing and, together with public transport, promotes societal sustainability patterns. Recently, smartphone apps informing and motivating sustainable mobility usage have increased. Current research has applied and investigated these apps; however, none have specifically considered mobility-related health components within mobility apps. The aim of this study is to examine the (potential) role of health-related information provided in mobility apps to influence mobility behavior. Following a systematic literature review of empirical studies applying mobility apps, this paper (1) investigates the studies and mobility apps regarding communicated information, strategies, and effects on mobility behavior and (2) explores how, and to what extent, health and its components are addressed. The reviewed studies focus on environmental information, especially CO2-emissions. Health is represented by physical activity or calories burned. The self-exposure to air pollution, noise, heat, traffic injuries or green spaces is rarely addressed. We propose a conceptual framework based on protection motivation theory to include health in mobility apps for sustainable mobility behavior change. Addressing people’s self-protective motivation could empower mobility app users. It might be a possible trigger for behavior change, leading towards healthy and sustainable mobility and thus, have individual and societal benefits.

Assessment of Road Noise Pollution in Urban Residential Areas—A Case Study in Piteşti, Romania

“…Recently, in accordance with the computer systems evolution, a new generation of measuring equipment has emerged, incorporating computers and operating software dedicated to measuring and analyzing road traffic noise-the new concept of integrated road traffic noise assessment system [30][31][32]. For example, it has become possible to eliminate occasional noise peaks (such as those caused by the passing of an intervention vehicle), which would alter the measurements [32][33][34]. When using just raw data, without further processing noise level measurement results, there will be higher peaks values, affecting the outcome.…”

“…The LD 831 Digital Portable Sonometer (Figure 2) is a high-precision digital soundlevel meter, microprocessor-controlled, accuracy class 1 according to IEC 651 and IEC 804. The LD 831 sound level meter has the following technical characteristics [32][33][34][35][36][37] The meter is designed to measure sound levels in the civil and industrial sectors for statistical analysis, to verify compliance with noise pollution laws in urban and industrial areas, and to measure in difficult acoustic environments. The display shows the sound level in decibels, usually with a descriptor showing the selected time and frequency weight combination (e.g., LAeq or LApeak).…”

Handbike Riding in the Brescia Urban Loose Space: Topographical Evaluation and Metabolic Demand Estimation of Four Suitable Tracks

“…Recognizing the need for enhanced safety measures for cyclists, HB users, and pedestrians alike, the imperative of establishing a comprehensive network of HB and bicycle routes within the city becomes increasingly apparent. The implementation and the usage of these dedicated routes significantly decrease the emission impact, increasing the contribution to sustainability with a particular focus on people with limited motor control [51]. Swift implementation of this complete network not only proves financially viable but also promises a profitable venture with the anticipated surge in hand-cycling participation [52].…”

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

“…Pollution measurements could be translated into illustrations or integrated in a healthy routing app. As shown by Marquart and Schuppan [68], a healthy routing app could draw on the PMT and integrate other health-related factors, among air pollution and noise pollution. As health considerations are an important motivation for people to walk or cycle [69], a healthy routing app might be specifically interesting for cyclists and pedestrians.…”