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dos Santos FLM, Duboz A, Grosso M, Raposo MA, Krause J, Mourtzouchou A, Balahur A, Ciuffo B. An acceptance divergence? Media, citizens and policy perspectives on autonomous cars in the European Union. TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH. PART A, POLICY AND PRACTICE 2022; 158:224-238. [PMID: 35592136 PMCID: PMC8988241 DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Do citizens, media and policymakers share the same view on autonomous cars? In the present paper, we analyse data from media articles, a Eurobarometer survey, and policy documents, to understand the perspective of different stakeholders when it comes to autonomous cars. We find significant differences between the groups, with a predominance of negative sentiments in news articles and a majority of citizens being wary of autonomous cars, while the political narrative mostly carries a positive tone. The findings highlight a dichotomous perspective about this potentially disruptive technology. This may represent a problem as the benefits of adopting autonomous cars will only come to surface if all actors are engaged and see the advantages they can bring to people's daily lives. We conclude by encouraging policymakers to promote initiatives to engage citizens in the transformation of road transport and other stakeholders to be advertised the positive implications of autonomous vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amandine Duboz
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Monica Grosso
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Jette Krause
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Andromachi Mourtzouchou
- Department of Transportation and Projects and Processes Technology - University of Cantabria, Cantabria, Spain
| | | | - Biagio Ciuffo
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
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Pan X, Zhao L, Luo J, Li Y, Zhang L, Wu T, Smith M, Dai S, Jia P. Access to bike lanes and childhood obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2021; 22 Suppl 1:e13042. [PMID: 32419305 PMCID: PMC7988585 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The lack of bike lane access has been a proven risk factor for childhood obesity due to its role in discouraging healthy lifestyles. However, there has not been a systematic review of this important association in the existing literature. This study aims to fill this gap. A literature search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published from 1 January 2019 onwards that examined the association between bike lane access and weight-related behaviours and outcomes among children aged <18 years. A total of 21 studies were included in this systematic review. Among them, most of the studies showed that bike lane access was significantly associated with children and adolescents' physical activity (PA), whereas only two studies showed a negative association. Meta-analysis also supported these findings and showed that bike lane access was significantly associated with children and adolescents' PA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-1.81). Additionally, we reviewed how bike lane characteristics and microenvironment variables such as children and adolescents' choice of bicycle travel mode, the degree of separation of cycle path, cycle path unevenness, and street maintenance were associated with adolescents' preferences and intention to cycle. This systematic review and meta-analysis strongly suggests that bike lane access is associated with children and adolescents' PA. Nonetheless, it was difficult to draw a conclusion on the association between bike lane access and weight-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiongfeng Pan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public HealthCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)Hong KongChina
| | - Li Zhao
- International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)Hong KongChina
- Department of Health Policy and Management, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Research Center for Healthy City DevelopmentSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jiayou Luo
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Xiangya School of Public HealthCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
- International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)Hong KongChina
| | - Yinhao Li
- Department of Health Policy and Management, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lin Zhang
- International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)Hong KongChina
- Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Victorian Comprehensive Cancer CentreThe University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer ResearchMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Tong Wu
- International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)Hong KongChina
- Research Center for Eco‐Environmental SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Melody Smith
- International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)Hong KongChina
- School of NursingThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Shaoqing Dai
- International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)Hong KongChina
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo‐InformaticsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
| | - Peng Jia
- International Institute of Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)Hong KongChina
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo‐InformaticsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
- Faculty of Geo‐information Science and Earth ObservationUniversity of TwenteEnschedethe Netherlands
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A Conceptual Framework for Modelling Safe Walking and Cycling Routes to High Schools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093318. [PMID: 32397592 PMCID: PMC7246540 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Active transport to or from school presents an opportunity for adolescents to engage in daily physical activity. Multiple factors influence whether adolescents actively travel to/from school. Creating safe walking and cycling routes to school is a promising strategy to increase rates of active transport. This article presents a comprehensive conceptual framework for modelling safe walking and cycling routes to high schools. The framework has been developed based on several existing relevant frameworks including (a) ecological models, (b) the “Five Es” (engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement, and evaluation) framework of transport planning, and (c) a travel mode choice framework for school travel. The framework identifies built environment features (land use mix, pedestrian/cycling infrastructure, neighbourhood aesthetics, and accessibility to local facilities) and traffic safety factors (traffic volume and speed, safe road crossings, and quality of path surface) to be considered when modelling safe walking/cycling routes to high schools. Future research should test this framework using real-world data in different geographical settings and with a combination of tools for the assessment of both macro-scale and micro-scale built environment features. To be effective, the modelling and creation of safe routes to high schools should be complemented by other interventions, including education, enforcement, and encouragement in order to minimise safety concerns and promote active transport.
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Molina-García J, García-Massó X, Estevan I, Queralt A. Built Environment, Psychosocial Factors and Active Commuting to School in Adolescents: Clustering a Self-Organizing Map Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 16:E83. [PMID: 30597975 PMCID: PMC6339221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Although the built environment and certain psychosocial factors are related to adolescents' active commuting to and from school (ACS), their interrelationships have not been explored in depth. This study describes these interrelationships and behavioral profiles via a self-organizing map (SOM) analysis. The sample comprised 465 adolescents from the IPEN (International Physical Activity and the Environment Network) Adolescent study in Valencia, Spain. ACS, barriers to ACS, physical self-efficacy, social support and sociodemographics were measured by questionnaire. Street-network distance to school, net residential density and street intersection density were calculated from the Geographic Information System. The clustering of the SOM outcomes resulted in eight areas or clusters. The clusters which correspond to the lowest and highest ACS levels were then explored in depth. The lowest ACS levels presented interactions between the less supportive built environments (i.e., low levels of residential density and street connectivity in the neighborhood and greater distances to school) and unfavorable psychosocial variables (i.e., low values of physical self-efficacy and medium social support for ACS) and good access to private motorized transport at home. The adolescents with the lowest ACS values exhibited high ACS environment/safety and planning/psychosocial barrier values. Future interventions should be designed to encourage ACS and change multiple levels of influence, such as individual, psychosocial and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Molina-García
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, Avda. dels Tarongers, 4, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
- AFIPS research group, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Xavier García-Massó
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, Avda. dels Tarongers, 4, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
- HUMAG research group, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Isaac Estevan
- Department of Teaching of Musical, Visual and Corporal Expression, University of Valencia, Avda. dels Tarongers, 4, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
- AFIPS research group, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ana Queralt
- AFIPS research group, University of Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Jaume Roig, s/n, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
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Clemens SL, Lincoln DJ. Where children play most: physical activity levels of school children across four settings and policy implications. Aust N Z J Public Health 2018; 42:575-581. [PMID: 30296821 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined physical activity levels among 2,296 Queensland school children in the school, club sport, active transport and free time settings. Childhood physical activity contributes to musculoskeletal strength, psychosocial benefits and cardiovascular health. METHODS Data were collected from parents by computer-assisted telephone interview on an annual preventive health monitoring survey conducted by the Queensland Government. RESULTS Parents reported that children achieved the largest proportions of their physical activity in school (33%) or their free time (42%). Moderate participation levels were reported for active transport and organised sport and these activities contributed lower proportions to total physical activity (10% and 15%, respectively). After adjusting for age and sex, living in a family with higher levels of activity and with a parent that knows physical activity guidelines was associated with higher activity levels. Implications for public health: Increasing physical activity in settings where less active children are already participating, specifically in school settings and during free time, may have more immediate benefits than encouraging children to be active in new settings. Many children achieve seven or more hours of physical activity weekly but do not meet the physical activity guideline criterion of 60 minutes of physical activity daily; consequently, quantifying physical activity solely against the guidelines may underestimate children's physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Clemens
- Preventive Health Branch, Department of Health, Queensland Government
| | - Douglas J Lincoln
- Preventive Health Branch, Department of Health, Queensland Government
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Verhoeven H, Van Hecke L, Van Dyck D, Baert T, Van de Weghe N, Clarys P, Deforche B, Van Cauwenberg J. Differences in physical environmental characteristics between adolescents' actual and shortest cycling routes: a study using a Google Street View-based audit. Int J Health Geogr 2018; 17:16. [PMID: 29843715 PMCID: PMC5975511 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-018-0136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective evaluation of the physical environmental characteristics (e.g. speed limit, cycling infrastructure) along adolescents' actual cycling routes remains understudied, although it may provide important insights into why adolescents prefer one cycling route over another. The present study aims to gain insight into the physical environmental characteristics determining the route choice of adolescent cyclists by comparing differences in physical environmental characteristics between their actual cycling routes and the shortest possible cycling routes. METHODS Adolescents (n = 204; 46.5% boys; 14.4 ± 1.2 years) recruited at secondary schools in and around Ghent (city in Flanders, northern part of Belgium) were instructed to wear a Global Positioning System device in order to identify cycling trips. For all identified cycling trips, the shortest possible route that could have been taken was calculated. Actual cycling routes that were not the shortest possible cycling routes were divided into street segments. Segments were audited with a Google Street View-based tool to assess physical environmental characteristics along actual and shortest cycling routes. RESULTS Out of 160 actual cycling trips, 73.1% did not differ from the shortest possible cycling route. For actual cycling routes that were not the shortest cycling route, a speed limit of 30 km/h, roads having few buildings with windows on the street side and roads without cycle lane were more frequently present compared to the shortest possible cycling routes. A mixed land use, roads with commercial destinations, arterial roads, cycle lanes separated from traffic by white lines, small cycle lanes and cycle lanes covered by lighting were less frequently present along actual cycling routes compared to the shortest possible cycling routes. CONCLUSIONS Results showed that distance mainly determines the route along which adolescents cycle. In addition, adolescents cycled more along residential streets (even if no cycle lane was present) and less along busy, arterial roads. Local authorities should provide shortcuts free from motorised traffic to meet adolescents' preference to cycle along the shortest route and to avoid cycling along arterial roads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Verhoeven
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Linde Van Hecke
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
- Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Delfien Van Dyck
- Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Movement and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Watersportlaan 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Baert
- Department of Geography – CartoGIS, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nico Van de Weghe
- Department of Geography – CartoGIS, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Peter Clarys
- Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benedicte Deforche
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health Research Unit, Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jelle Van Cauwenberg
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), Brussels, Belgium
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