Implementation science frameworks for active and sustainable transportation interventions with a focus on equity: A scoping review

Background There is a growing need to promote sustainable transportation in urban environments. Active and sustainable transportation interventions are implemented through a pathway of actors responsible for funding, design, planning, and construction. This scoping review summarizes peer-reviewed literature that uses implementation science theories, models, and/or frameworks for active and sustainable transportation interventions and categorizes the included frameworks using an existing implementation science taxonomy. Barriers and facilitators to implementation are identified, as well as the inclusion of transportation equity considerations in implementation, if present. Methods Six databases were searched from inception to June 4, 2025. Records were screened at title, abstract, and full-text phases by two reviewers independently. Conflicts were resolved by consensus or with a third reviewer. Articles were summarized using thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. Results Searches resulted in 8892 records; 8561 after duplicates were removed. At the title and abstract phase 6561 articles were screened and 114 were screened at full-text phases. 26 articles met inclusion criteria. Factors operating as both facilitators and barriers include context-specificity, community engagement and participation, partnerships and collaboration, and funding. Equity was addressed in eight articles. Conclusions Implementation science frameworks utilized for active and sustainable transportation interventions in urban environments exist; however, attention to transportation equity is limited. Frameworks should be tailored to the context and flexible enough to adapt to local settings. It is recommended that equity be embedded throughout the implementation process, including meaningful engagement with communities, to promote active transportation and address local mobility needs.