Urban Suitability for Active Transportation: A Case Study from Coimbra, Portugal

Abstract Growing global awareness of the health risks of physical inactivity has led to policies promoting active transportation, sustainability, inclusivity, and healthier lifestyles. Some of these policies aim to promote walking and cycling, both for short distances within neighbourhoods and to connect to public transport for longer distances. This promotion helps reduce car dependence within new concepts such as the 15-min city, which ensures equitable access to daily needs, fosters social cohesion, and creates healthier, more sustainable urban areas. This study conducts a comprehensive literature review to cross-reference relevant factors influencing walking and biking, using the identified factors to propose a framework for assessing the suitability of urban areas for active modes of transportation. These factors are mainly related to densities, diversity of activities, green areas, and some infrastructural conditions. Using the case study of Coimbra, Portugal, it develops an application of this framework using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approaches and associated spatial analysis techniques. The results highlight the most and least suitable areas for walking and biking and show statistical inference on identifying clustered areas and spatial autocorrelation. This analysis shows whether the city areas are closer to the concept of a 15-min city regarding active modes. Therefore, it is useful for guiding policymakers and urban planners in urban improvement initiatives. Additionally, it helps residents select areas based on their physical abilities and lifestyle preferences.