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Project Code [2012-EH-PhD-11]

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Project title

Quantification of the Benefits of Active Travel (BeAT) in Urban Environment

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Bidisha Ghosh

Project Abstract

Active travel is a key factor in promoting healthy living in cities. In recent years, policy changes have been aimed towards promoting active travel. Identification and estimation of the benefits of active travel (BeAT) are critical to justify such policy changes. The proposed project aims at quantification of individual and social BeAT taking into account health benefits, traffic exposure, travel time increase, air and noise pollution, perceived safety, carbon expenditure, discomfort levels and other relevant factors. Such quantification will provide an invaluable tool to the politicians, environmentalists and policy makers for understanding and justifying future investment in promoting active travel. The concept of quantification of BeAT at an individual level is novel and has not been investigated till date. The proposed project will utilise intelligent sensing of key factors, data-fusion of cycling and walking trips, and subsequent data analysis to promote active travel to individuals. Societal BeAT has been investigated for health effects and carbon costs but often ignores the important aspects such as perceived & actual safety. It requires an exhaustive quantification procedure of Irish as well as international relevance. The project will also investigate the change of societal BeAT with mode share changes in active travel.

Grant Approved

�73,484.00

Research Hub

Healthy Environment

Research Theme

Environment and Human Health

Start Date

01/09/2013

Initial Projected Completion Date

01/09/2016