SHAPES - Systematic analysis of Health risks and physical Activity associated with cycling Policies
Overview
Background & policy context:
Commuter cycling can enhance the long-term physical health of the general population. But it is not well understood whether cyclists are exposed to higher risks due to air pollution and accidents. A non-marginal shift to cycling helps to realise a better general air quality, improve the overall physical condition of the population and increase general traffic safety.
Objectives:
The main objective is to analyse the risks and benefits of a modal shift from passenger cars to cycling. SHAPES has defined a number of specific objectives:
- To evaluate the exposure to air pollution for cyclists compared to car users
- To evaluate the physical condition of cyclists compared to car users
- To implement an online injury registration system for minor injuries in commuter cyclists
- To develop a spatial analysis for accident risks
- To integrate these risks into a common framework, to evaluate costs and benefits
- To develop a spatial analysis of trajectory choice and methodology for infrastructure development in the three Belgian regions
- To propose policy options that contribute to safer and healthier cycling and to lower emissions and social security costs in the long term
Methodology:
To achieve these goals the project was undertaken in two phases is proposed:
Phase 1 performed a statistical and geographical analysis of accident data to identify the causes of accidents with cyclists and the correlated spatial attributes.
Phase 2 was largely devoted to the measurement campaigns that determined the links between activity level, exposure and physical health.
Share this page