Our study explores how residents in Lagos and Yaoundé use roads, vacant lots, squares, and parks for running, walking, and other leisure-time physical activities. It reveals striking sex-based differences in perceived safety and risk, offering evidence to guide inclusive urban planning.
Experts agree that the planning of public space in light of new active mobility trends and policies has not properly taken into account the active aging policies and the context of older people as users, especially in the construction of a barrier-free and safe environment. Only through the alignment of active mobility and active ageing policies is it possible to respond to the needs and to include people of all ages
Mental health needs are poorly understood in the development and management of public space. However, people recovering from health issues such as psychosis need to use city space in their everyday lives. We note that large sites in city centres continue to be made available. As such their redesign and management needs to factor in these broader needs. There will be further benefits to people with conditions such as anxiety, depression and autism.
Low Traffic Neighbourhoods are being introduced in UK cities to reduce motorised through-traffic in residential areas, create better conditions for walking, wheeling and cycling, and change the hierarchy of uses in public spaces. Existing evidence shows that schemes work and generate important public health benefits. However, the experiences of disabled people with these schemes have yet to be explored. This is important because public space and the built environment are important facilitators and barriers in the lives of disabled people.
Our study shows that young autistic adults and older adults face similar patterns with walking, particularly at night or for leisure activities. These findings highlight a very poor health prospects for autistic adults as they age due to lack of physical and social activity. These findings underscore the need to rethink urban spaces for diverse needs. By identifying these patterns, we provide a foundation for creating urban environments that are more inclusive, accessible, and supportive of sustained physical activity and better health outcomes for autistic individuals as they age.
any parks and public spaces are not designed with seniors in mind, lacking features that encourage physical activity and social interaction. This can lead to isolation, decreased mobility, and poor health outcomes. Unlock the potential of urban parks to promote healthy ageing. Our research identifies the essential design elements that encourage seniors to stay active, providing a roadmap for cities to create an inclusive and supportive environment.
Our research provides new evidence for the importance of third places in supporting retirees’ well-being and social engagement. We found that these spaces can play a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging, improving mental and physical health, and facilitating social interactions.
We explored the factors that can encourage walking and cycling to school from the adolescents’ perspective, considering individual and built environment factors as well. Travel mode selection, companionship, desired mobility autonomy, and perceptions of pedestrian and cyclist safety regarding traffic were relevant and interconnected.
This study addresses the need for a more nuanced understanding of how urban design influences people’s walking habits in the Global South through case studies in Indonesia. Understanding the intriguing relationship between the built environment, personal perception, and walking behaviour is critical for designing more walkable, healthy, and sustainable cities.
Discover how cities can build resilience against future health crises. Our study synthesizes key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to create healthier, more sustainable urban environments.