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Urban Science
Special Issues
Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health
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Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health

A special issue of Urban Science (ISSN 2413-8851).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2025 | Viewed by 7323

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Chia-Yuan Yu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Public Administration, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
Interests: urban transportation planning; sustainable transportation; traffic safety; disparity issues in planning; public health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The links between transportation systems, urban planning, and public health are key to sustainable urban development. Researchers have highlighted that city planning and transportation infrastructure significantly impact environmental sustainability, public health, and social equity, and that the reliance on fossil fuels for transportation notably contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, adversely affecting urban health. Conversely, sustainable transportation methods like public transit, cycling, and clean energy vehicles improve air quality, reduce emissions, and encourage physical activity. Transitioning to sustainable transportation is, therefore, an opportunity to bolster public health and urban designs focused on sustainable transport can significantly reduce respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and mental health issues by promoting active travel and reducing pollutant exposure. Thus, sustainable transportation is not only an environmental imperative but a strategy to enhance urban livability and health equity.

The primary aim of this Special Issue, entitled “Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health” is to advance the understanding and application of sustainable transportation solutions that foster healthier urban environments. It seeks to gather and disseminate cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and insightful analyses that explore the dynamic interactions between urban transportation systems, the built environment, and public health outcomes. This Special Issue intends to highlight interdisciplinary approaches and evidence-based strategies that contribute to the development of sustainable, livable, and health-promoting urban spaces.

Aligned with the journal's focus, this Special Issue focuses on sustainability, urban planning, public health, and environmental studies. By exploring how transportation systems can be designed and managed to enhance public health and environmental sustainability, this Special Issue contributes to the broader discourse on creating resilient and equitable urban spaces. It complements the journal's mission to promote scholarly and practical insights that support the transition towards more sustainable and health-oriented urban development practices.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome and research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Health impacts of urban transportation policies;
  • Active transportation and public health;
  • Urban design, walkability, and health;
  • Impact of public transit systems on urban health;
  • Air quality and transportation emissions;
  • Climate change, transportation, and health adaptation strategies;
  • Behavioral aspects of sustainable transportation choices;
  • Environmental justice and transportation equity.

I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Chia-Yuan Yu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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. Urban Science is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable transportation
  • public health
  • active transportation
  • walkability
  • air quality
  • transportation equity
  • behavioral factors
  • physical activity
  • health disparities

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 1998 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Commuting: Active Transport Practices and Slovenian Data Analysis
by Aleksandar Šobot, Sergej Gričar and Štefan Bojnec
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 214; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040214 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 563
Abstract
This study examines the influence of transportation policies and urbanisation on cycling participation and environmental sustainability in Slovenia. Factor and regression analyses were employed. The yearly data from 2008 to 2021 were isolated. A modest increase in urban cycling frequency was observed, bolstered [...] Read more.
This study examines the influence of transportation policies and urbanisation on cycling participation and environmental sustainability in Slovenia. Factor and regression analyses were employed. The yearly data from 2008 to 2021 were isolated. A modest increase in urban cycling frequency was observed, bolstered by investments in environmental protection and safety enhancements; however, additional evidence is needed to confirm the long-term effects (H1). Furthermore, while increased cycling was linked to a reduction in CO2 emissions and improved air quality, the overall environmental benefits were found to be affected by other factors, such as motorisation and public transportation in summer (H2). The study revealed that the introduction of reduced urban speed limits and expanded cycling lanes significantly enhanced cycling safety and desirability, leading to a shift from car usage to bicycles (RQ). These findings indicate that cycling could play a vital role in advancing Slovenia’s sustainable development goals, emphasising the need for continued investments and supportive urbanisation policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health)
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12 pages, 700 KiB  
Article
Influences of Perceived Built Environments and Personal Attitudes Toward Walking to the Grocery Store
by Chia-Yuan Yu
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040199 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 499
Abstract
Encouraging walking to grocery stores can enhance environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle emissions and easing traffic congestion. While research has largely focused on measurable factors like distance and physical accessibility, less attention has been paid to how perceived built environments and personal attitudes [...] Read more.
Encouraging walking to grocery stores can enhance environmental sustainability by reducing vehicle emissions and easing traffic congestion. While research has largely focused on measurable factors like distance and physical accessibility, less attention has been paid to how perceived built environments and personal attitudes affect walking behavior. This study delves into how socio-demographic traits, social influences, and perceived built environments influence walking decisions. The key findings reveal that factors such as ethnicity and income significantly impact decisions to walk, with well-maintained sidewalks enhancing appeal and obstacles like construction serving as deterrents. Positive attitudes towards walking further encourage this behavior, underscoring the need for targeted public health interventions. These insights are crucial for designing communities that support walking, ultimately improving community health and environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health)
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20 pages, 910 KiB  
Article
The Transition Pathways to Sustainable Urban Mobility: Could They Be Extended to Megacities?
by Sierra Rey-Tienda, Manuel Rey-Moreno and Cayetano Medina-Molina
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040179 - 18 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1633
Abstract
Population concentration in urban areas has placed cities at the forefront of the global struggle to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Within cities, current mobility patterns are responsible for a significant proportion of environmental emissions. As a result, cities across the world are [...] Read more.
Population concentration in urban areas has placed cities at the forefront of the global struggle to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Within cities, current mobility patterns are responsible for a significant proportion of environmental emissions. As a result, cities across the world are seeking to develop transitions towards new and greener mobility systems. This paper analyses the different pathways that explain the readiness, or otherwise negation, of cities in achieving sustainable mobility. Based on a sample of 65 cities from all over the world, and with the application of Set-Theoretic Multi-Method Research and Necessary Conditions Analysis, it is demonstrated that there are necessary conditions for the achievement of sustainable mobility, as well as different terms that explain its achievement and its denial. Moreover, the analysis confirms that both the necessary conditions for sustainable mobility and one of the terms explaining its denial reflect the existence of causal mechanisms. The paper confirms the necessity for an analysis of the transitions towards sustainable mobility to take into account the characteristics of the context. Furthermore, it is not possible to explain the behaviour of megacities on the basis of generalised statements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health)
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24 pages, 1554 KiB  
Article
Socio-Economical Analysis of a Green Reverse Logistics Network under Uncertainty: A Case Study of Hospital Constructions
by Alireza Alibakhshi, Amirreza Saffarian and Erfan Hassannayebi
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040171 - 11 Oct 2024
Viewed by 973
Abstract
This study addresses the critical issue of managing construction and demolition waste in urban environments. Effective waste management is not only essential for minimizing costs but also for enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact. In this context, the research introduces a green reverse [...] Read more.
This study addresses the critical issue of managing construction and demolition waste in urban environments. Effective waste management is not only essential for minimizing costs but also for enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact. In this context, the research introduces a green reverse logistics model designed for C&D waste management, integrating both sustainability considerations and current regulatory frameworks, such as LEED. A key innovation of this model is the incorporation of electric vehicles for waste collection, compared to traditional diesel vehicles, as part of the logistical process, as carbon emission is a significant concern. By evaluating the limitations and opportunities associated with electric vehicles, alongside robust optimization to manage uncertainties in waste collection, the model seeks to balance environmental, social, and economic objectives. It further incorporates decision-making tools like fuzzy logic to optimize multi-objective outcomes across various waste facilities, including separation labs, incineration centers, recycling centers, and landfills. A case study conducted in Tehran validates the model, highlighting the socio-economic and environmental benefits of using electric vehicles in waste collection. Sensitivity analysis indicates that hybrid and socially focused policies perform best under high-impact scenarios, although results can differ with varying data sets. Despite the complexity of managing reverse logistics networks, this research provides valuable insights for supply chain planners. It suggests potential future directions, such as the application of metaheuristic algorithms and improved stochastic planning methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health)
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26 pages, 1572 KiB  
Article
Logit and Probit Models Explaining Mode Choice and Frequency of Public Transit Ridership among University Students in Krakow, Poland
by Houshmand Masoumi, Melika Mehriar and Katarzyna Nosal-Hoy
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(3), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8030113 - 14 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1035
Abstract
The predictors of urban trip mode choice and one of its important components, public transit ridership, have still not been thoroughly investigated using case studies in Central Europe. Therefore, this study attempts to clarify the correlates of mode choices for commute travel and [...] Read more.
The predictors of urban trip mode choice and one of its important components, public transit ridership, have still not been thoroughly investigated using case studies in Central Europe. Therefore, this study attempts to clarify the correlates of mode choices for commute travel and shopping, and entertainment travel to distant places, as well as the frequencies of public transit use of university students, using a wide range of explanatory variables covering individual, household, and socio-economic attributes as well as their perceptions, mobility, and the nearby built environment. The correlation hypothesis of these factors, especially the role of the street network, was tested by collecting the data from 1288 university students in Krakow and developing Binary Logistic and Ordinal Probit models. The results show that gender, age, car ownership, main daily activity, possession of a driving license, gross monthly income, duration of living in the current home, daily shopping area, sense of belonging to the neighborhood, quality of social/recreational facilities of the neighborhood, and commuting distance can predict commute and non-commute mode choices, while gender, daily activity, financial dependence from the family, entertainment place, quality of social/recreational facilities, residential self-selection, number of commute trips, time living in the current home, and street connectivity around home are significantly correlated with public transit use. Some of these findings are somewhat different from those regarding university students in Western Europe or other high-income countries. These results can be used for policy making to reduce students’ personal and household car use and increase sustainable modal share in Poland and similar neighboring countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health)
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Review

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13 pages, 579 KiB  
Review
The Healthy City Reimagined: Walkability, Active Mobility, and the Challenges of Measurement and Evaluation
by Lorenzo Paglione, Maria Assunta Donato, Luigi Cofone, Marise Sabato, Letizia Appolloni and Daniela D’Alessandro
Urban Sci. 2024, 8(4), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040157 - 29 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1862
Abstract
Recently, there has been a growing interest in exploring the relationship between walkability and various aspects such as health, urban planning, and sustainability. This interest stems from the acknowledgement of the impact of walking on issues such as obesity, pollution, and other diseases, [...] Read more.
Recently, there has been a growing interest in exploring the relationship between walkability and various aspects such as health, urban planning, and sustainability. This interest stems from the acknowledgement of the impact of walking on issues such as obesity, pollution, and other diseases, even if these are only weakly correlated. This scoping review was carried out to shed light on the link between walkability and health. The main objectives of this review are to describe the tools used to evaluate walkability, to highlight the variations in measurement methods, and to offer a critical evaluation of these tools. The final analysis includes a review of the most recent and comprehensive studies and online resources. Finally, an evaluation of the tools was carried out, with a focus on urban and architectural expertise relating to design, functions, and activities in public spaces, analysing the few available bibliographic references that correlate walkability with measured health outcomes using validated tools and health information flow. Neighbourhood walkability is influenced by the availability of functional amenities, activities, and safety. Failure to consider its importance on human health could lead to urban social inequalities and thus failure to create salutogenic cities, which could have major implications in terms of public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Transportation and Urban Environments-Public Health)
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