Mapping Slow Mobility Users' Unhealthy Exposure to Air Pollution in London

Background and Aims: Slow mobility, characterized by modes of transportation such as walking and cycling, is often promoted for its health benefits and environmental friendliness. However, users of slow mobility face prolonged and direct exposure to their immediate environment, potentially increasing their susceptibility to air pollution compared to those using faster transportation modes. This study aims to quantify and spatially analyze the air pollution exposure associated with slow mobility in urban areas, using London as a case study, to inform healthier and more sustainable planning practices.

Methods: This paper proposes a data‐driven framework to assess the relationship between slow mobility and air pollution exposure as a health risk, with a focus on London as a case study. The study overlays London's air pollution data of PM2.5, PM10, and NOx onto the accessibility mapping based on the concept of “15‐min city” and point‐of‐interest data for London sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Results: The findings indicate that Central London exhibits both high accessibility and high air pollution exposure. Moreover, NOx levels are consistently higher than PM10 and PM2.5 for slow mobility users across London. However, projections for 2030 suggest significant improvements in air quality throughout the city.

Conclusion: This paper provides empirical evidence supporting a comprehensive and people‐centered urban development philosophy, which requires extensive cooperation and joint efforts among stakeholders to achieve strategic goals for London by 2030.