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Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 July 2025 | Viewed by 12338

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mireia Faus

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Guest Editor

INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: sustainable transportation; road traffic campaigns; communication; vulnerable users; public health; preventive measures; safety measures

Prof. Dr. Francisco Alonso

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Guest Editor

INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: public transit; sustainable transportation; urban safety; safe mobility; emerging countries; pedestrian behavior; cyclist behavior; preventive measures
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Prof. Dr. Cristina Esteban

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Guest Editor

INTRAS (Research Institute on Traffic and Road Safety), University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Interests: road safety; emerging countries; safety measures; road safety education; vulnerable users

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, there has been a high growth in cities, which has led to a significant increase in the number of vehicles in urban areas and, consequently, it has increased the problems resulting from traffic and mobility, such as congestion and road safety in cities. In this context, responsible authorities have developed countermeasures to promote the adoption of sustainable mobility alternatives, encouraging the use of soft modes of transport.

However, this change in mobility patterns can have an impact on road safety, because it contributes to increasing the number of vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists. The interaction of these groups with other road users can trigger incidents and accidents of varying degrees of severity. Thus, vulnerable users’ behavior is a relevant component of city accident prevention, among other factors. Therefore, it is essential to include their travel patterns, potential infractions by these users, and their preventive behaviors in sustainable urban mobility management strategies developed in cities. This implies informing and raising awareness among pedestrians and cyclists about the importance of adopting safe behaviors but also designing road infrastructures that prioritize the safety and accessibility of these road groups.

In this sense, the purpose of this Special Issue is to bring together research that addresses sustainable urban mobility management and road behavior of vulnerable users, a topic that comprises multiple and heterogeneous areas of study. Furthermore, both original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Urban planning strategies for sustainable mobility.
Emerging technologies to improve vulnerable users’ road safety.
Sustainable transportation policies and their impact on pedestrian and cyclist behavior.
Implementation of intelligent and accessible infrastructures.
Identification of barriers and accessibility issues in pedestrian and cyclist travel.
Traffic violations, errors, and positive behaviors of vulnerable users.
Analysis of vulnerable users’ movement patterns in urban environments.
Impact of electric scooters on urban transport.
Experiences and perceptions of users of personal mobility vehicles in urban areas.
Traffic education and public awareness strategies.
Communication campaigns for the promotion of sustainable mobility.
Equity and social justice considerations in sustainable urban mobility planning.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Mireia Faus
Prof. Dr. Francisco Alonso
Prof. Dr. Cristina Esteban
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

road safety
urban planning
pedestrian
cyclist
vulnerable users
sustainable transportation
safety measures
user behavior
infrastructures
road traffic campaigns
road safety education

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 2497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Use of a Bike-Sharing System in Extreme Weather Events: The Case of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

by Kayck de Araújo, Luciana Lima, Mariana Andreotti Dias, Daniel G. Costa and Ivanovitch Silva

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2291; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052291 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 748

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the use of a bike-sharing system (BSS) during the flooding event caused by extreme rainfall that hit the municipality of Porto Alegre, Brazil, in May 2024. Public transport services were interrupted, prompting an investigation into the resilience of the BSS during the crisis. Considering data from the Tembici BSS company, a set of approximately 400,000 trips made between 104 stations in the municipality of Porto Alegre from January to May 2024 were analyzed. Daily rainfall data from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) were compared with the daily trip flow to identify the travel flow patterns on the days most affected by the flooding. The results indicate an abrupt drop in shared bicycle use during May 2024, but 7600 trips were recorded despite the crisis. Regarding the travel pattern between 1 May and 10 May, most trips were still for recreational purposes (73%), while trips for work and study accounted for 22% of the total, and only 5% were for delivery services. Overall, the resilience of the BSS during the extreme climate event in question points to the continuation of practical daily activities, although with more significant effects on economic-related activities and lesser effects on leisure-related activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users)

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20 pages, 2463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

More Sustainable but More Dangerous Cities: The Role of Communication Campaigns in Protecting Vulnerable Road Users

by Mireia Faus, Francisco Alonso, Cristina Esteban and José Luis Velarte

Sustainability 2025, 17(5), 2002; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17052002 - 26 Feb 2025

Viewed by 454

Abstract

The transition towards a sustainable mobility model encourages an increase in the use of soft modes of transport, and thus an increase in the number of vulnerable road users, especially in urban areas. In Spain, this group of users, comprising pedestrians, cyclists, users of personal mobility vehicles and motorcyclists, accounted for 62,258 victims in road accidents in 2023, 46% of the total, with 7258 dead or seriously injured representing 65.6% of the total. Different strategies to protect vulnerable road users, including communication campaigns, are regularly developed to increase safe travel behaviour. In this context, this study analyses the campaigns issued by the Directorate General of Traffic since 1960 aimed at vulnerable road users. Only 28 campaigns met the established inclusion criteria, representing 23.5% of the total. Thus, the period 2011–2024 has seen the lowest prevalence of this type of campaign, coinciding with a context characterised by the emergence of new forms of micro-mobility that are more sustainable but also more exposed to risks. Due to this complex environment, it is recommended to increase the prevalence of campaigns targeted at vulnerable users and to maximise their effectiveness using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, and delivered through a combination of traditional and digital media. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users)

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23 pages, 4931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Traffic Park Use on Children’s Traffic Rule Awareness and Behavioral Intentions: Case Study in Toyohashi City

by Mital Chakma, Kojiro Matsuo and Nao Sugiki

Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 937; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030937 - 24 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1414

Abstract

To ensure children’s safe independent mobility on the road, they need to learn basic traffic rules. In this case, traffic rule education in a realistic environment through a play-way method can be a significant learning strategy. This research focuses on the “Traffic Park (TP)”, which provides that opportunity. Specifically, this research examined how elementary school children’s knowledge of traffic rules and behavioral intentions are influenced by their experiences of using and playing in a TP before and after they start school. Children from four different elementary schools (grades 1~6) were surveyed in Toyohashi City, Japan using a web-based questionnaire survey. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the effect of TP use experience on children’s awareness of traffic rules and behavioral intentions. Three distinct SEM models were tested to measure the effect pattern of children’s TP use experience on their traffic rule awareness and behavioral intentions. The results show that TP use experience before entering school has a statistically significant effect on children’s traffic rule awareness (β = 0.16, p < 0.004; model 1) and behavioral intention improvement (β = 0.09, p < 0.07; model 2). However, TP use experience after entering school was found to have no significant effect. Finally, children’s TP use experience indirectly improves their behavioral intentions (β = 0.74, p < 0.001; model 3) by improving their awareness of traffic rules. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the contribution of TPs in promoting children’s safe independent mobility and fostering the development of sustainable child-friendly cities worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users)

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23 pages, 1876 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Examination of Pedestrian Crossing Behaviors at Signalized Intersections with Bus Priority Routes

by Victoria Gitelman and Assaf Sharon

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 457; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020457 - 9 Jan 2025

Viewed by 920

Abstract

Public transport is an integral part of sustainable urban development when its use is promoted by setting bus priority routes (BPRs). BPRs provide clear mobility benefits, but they raise pedestrian safety concerns. In this study, observations were conducted at signalized intersections with two types of BPRs, center-lane and curbside, aiming to characterize pedestrian crossing behaviors, with a particular focus on red-light crossings. We found that at intersections with center-lane BPRs, 30% of pedestrians crossed at least one crosswalk on red, while at another type, 11% crossed on red. Multivariate analyses showed that the risk of crossing on red was substantially higher at intersections with center-lane vs. curbside BPRs; it was also higher among pedestrians crossing to/from the bus stop, males, and young people but lower under the presence of other waiting pedestrians. Furthermore, among pedestrians crossing on red at center-lane BPRs, over 10% did not check the traffic before crossing and another 10% checked the traffic in the wrong direction, thus further increasing the risk. At center-lane BPRs, infrastructure solutions are needed to reduce pedestrian intention to cross on red. Additionally, education and awareness programs for pedestrians should be promoted to emphasize the heightened risk of red-light crossing at intersections with BPRs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users)

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26 pages, 3963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Battery-Assisted Trolleybuses: Effect of Battery Energy Utilization Ratio on Overall Traction Energy Consumption

by Martin Kendra, Daniel Pribula, Tomáš Skrúcaný, Oľga Blažeková and Svetla Stoilova

Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11303; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411303 - 23 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 815

Abstract

Urban public transport companies worldwide are introducing environmentally friendly bus solutions, and in cities with an existing trolleybus network, battery-assisted trolleybuses are an efficient alternative. Equipped with a traction battery, these vehicles allow a short range outside of the trolley lines and on-board recuperation, and they combine the advantages of electric buses and trolleybuses without the need for costly infrastructure expansions. Two similar battery-assisted trolleybuses are in operation in Žilina, where the unitary traction energy consumption has been observed to decrease as a function of the battery-powered and on-trolley-line vehicle run ratio. This theory was confirmed by statistical regression analysis of real operational data for one year of operation in different situations. This research also includes an analysis of battery-assisted trolleybuses’ operation on conventional trolleybus lines, which brought surprising findings, as well as an analysis of other selected indicators that can be dependent on the battery run ratio. These findings can contribute to reducing traction energy consumption by simply modifying the operating technologies without the need for extensive investment in infrastructure or vehicle equipment. This research is pilot research ready for in-depth research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users)

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22 pages, 613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Historical Insights into CO₂ Emission Dynamics in Urban Daily Mobility: A Case Study of Lyon’s Agglomeration

by Sami Jarboui, Louafi Bouzouina and Hind Alofaysan

Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9789; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229789 - 9 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1514

Abstract

CO₂ emissions from urban daily mobility play a major role in both environmental degradation, rising economic costs, and sustainability. Reducing these emissions not only advances environmental sustainability but also fosters economic development by enhancing public health, lowering energy consumption, and alleviating the financial strain caused by climate change. Understanding the dynamics of CO₂ emissions from urban daily mobility provides valuable historical insights into environmental impacts and economic costs tied to urban development. This study takes a historical perspective, examining changes in CO₂ emissions associated with daily mobility in the Lyon agglomeration across two decades, drawing on data from the 1995 and 2006 household travel surveys. Our findings reveal that individual factors such as gender, age, employment status, and income significantly influence CO₂ emissions, with males and full-time workers exhibiting higher emissions. Furthermore, household characteristics, including size and vehicle ownership, are critical in shaping emission levels, while urban form variables such as population density and mixed land use demonstrate a negative correlation with emissions, highlighting the importance of urban planning in mitigating CO₂ output. The analysis emphasizes that greater accessibility and proximity to essential services are vital in reducing individual emissions. Based on these insights, we discuss the implications for policy design, suggesting targeted strategies to enhance urban mobility, improve public transport accessibility, and promote sustainable urban development. Finally, we outline directions for future research to further explore the intricate relationship between urban characteristics and emissions, ultimately aiming to contribute to the development of effective climate policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users)

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18 pages, 3649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Driving Safety and Comfort Enhancement in Urban Underground Interchanges via Driving Simulation and Machine Learning

by Qian Liu, Zhen Liu, Bingyan Cui and Chuanhui Zhu

Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9601; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219601 - 4 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1320

Abstract

Urban transportation systems, particularly underground interchanges, present significant challenges for sustainable and resilient urban design due to their complex road geometries and dense traffic signage. These challenges are further compounded by the interaction of diverse road users, which heightens the risk of accidents. To enhance both safety and sustainability, this study integrates advanced driving simulation techniques with machine learning models to improve driving safety and comfort in underground interchanges. By utilizing a driving simulator and 3D modeling, real-world conditions were replicated to design key traffic safety features with an emphasis on sustainability and driver well-being. Critical safety parameters, including speed, acceleration, and pedal use, were analyzed alongside comfort metrics such as lateral acceleration and steering torque. The LightGBM machine learning model was used to classify safety and comfort grades with an accuracy of 97.06%. An important ranking identified entrance signage and deceleration zones as having the greatest impact on safety and comfort, while basic road sections were less influential. These findings underscore the importance of considering visual cues, such as markings and wall color, in creating safer and more comfortable underground road systems. This study’s methodology and results offer valuable insights for urban planners and engineers aiming to design transportation systems that are both safe and aligned with sustainable urban mobility objectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users)

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23 pages, 3241 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age-Friendly Urban Design for Older Pedestrian Road Safety: A Street Segment Level Analysis in Madrid

by Daniel Gálvez-Pérez, Begoña Guirao and Armando Ortuño

Sustainability 2024, 16(19), 8298; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198298 - 24 Sep 2024

Viewed by 2453

Abstract

Walking benefits older pedestrians but exposes them to traffic crashes. With an aging population, designing age-friendly cities is crucial, yet research on older pedestrian safety at a micro-level is limited. This study aims to reduce older pedestrian–vehicle collisions and create more livable environments through infrastructure policies derived from statistical data analysis. Special attention is focused on collecting a holistic set of infrastructure variables to reflect most of the street built environment elements, which helps policymakers implement short-term safety measures. Using Bayesian Poisson regression, this study analyzes factors contributing to the occurrence of crashes involving older and non-older pedestrians on road segments in Madrid, Spain. The results indicate that different factors affect the occurrence of crashes for all pedestrians versus older pedestrians specifically. Traffic crashes involving all pedestrians are affected by leisure points of interest, bus stops, and crosswalk density. Older pedestrian traffic crashes are influenced by population density, the presence of trees and trash containers, and contour complexity. Proposed measures include relocating trees and trash containers, modifying bus stops, and adding crosswalks and traffic lights. This paper also shows that these countermeasures, aimed at creating age-friendly streets for older pedestrians, are not expected to worsen the road safety of other pedestrians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users)

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19 pages, 14908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age-Friendly Cycling Infrastructure—Differences and Preferences among 50+ Cyclists

by Sreten Jevremović, Ana Trpković, Svetlana Čičević, Marjana Čubranić Dobrodolac and Carol Kachadoorian

Sustainability 2024, 16(17), 7280; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177280 - 24 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1358

Abstract

In this paper, the needs, attitudes, and perceptions of older (50+) cyclists were examined with the aim of determining the level of comfort, safety, and the way of using different types of cycling infrastructure. Considering that by 2050, 1 in 6 people will be over the age of 65, and that this category of users (particularly cyclists) still receives insufficient attention, the authors believed that in this way, a significant contribution can be made to the existing literature. Data from 389 50+ cyclists were collected through a survey, including Canada, the United States (USA), and Serbia, and analyzed using visual preference testing (VPT), ANOVA, and Kruskal–Wallis test. The countries were chosen to include certain similarities (traffic characteristics), as well as differences (cultural characteristics), in order to enable an adequate exchange of knowledge, good practice, and experience. The results indicate the existence of differences between these countries, especially regarding the perception of safety and the way of using certain infrastructure in Serbia (e.g., major urban collectors and shared space). Based on the obtained results, a set of general guidelines was proposed for countries with similar traffic and cultural characteristics on how to treat and provide sustainable infrastructure for older cyclists. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Urban Mobility Management and Road Behavior of Vulnerable Users)

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