Study on the Measured and Subjectively Perceived Air Pollution of Commuters in Aachen
The focus of the study is the assessment of the experienced and measured pollution load for cyclists along a typical Aachener commuter route from the main station to the centre of the campus of RWTH Aachen University. The study aims for an inter- and transdisciplinary research of air pollution and cycling mobility in Aachen by interrelating constructs, knowledge and findings based on natural and social sciences. To this end, environmental and health awareness as well as cycling mobility behavior are combined with a site-specific assessment of the actual pollution by particle measurement and fine dust analysis.
The project is an interdisciplinary cooperation of the ACCESS! colleagues Hanna Fuchte (Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH) and Jennifer Bosen (Gender and Diversity in Engineering, RWTH), the Institute for Landscape Ecology (WWU Münster) and the ADFC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club, eng. General German Bicycle Club).
Funding
Jennifer Bosen and Hanna Fuchte are sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia in the context of the research college ACCESS!.
Publications
Bosen, J, Fuchte, H.E. & Leicht-Scholten, C. (2023) Cycling to work and making cycling work: What makes committed utility cyclists despite perceived risks of air pollution and traffic? Journal of Transport & Health, 28, 101519. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2022.101519.
Fuchte, H.E., Paas, B., Auer, F., Bayer, V.J., Achten, C. & Schäffer, A. et al. (2022) Identification of sites with elevated PM levels along an urban cycle path using a mobile platform and the analysis of 48 particle bound PAH. Atmospheric Environment, 271, 118912. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2021.118912.
Sustainable Development Goals
In the context of the transformation towards more sustainable and socially acceptable forms of mobility, cycling represents a socially, environmentally and economically attractive alternative to motorized means of transport. However, many factors must be taken into account to encourage cycling. In addition to structurally separated cycle paths, which should guarantee safety and efficiency, health effects such as pollution in urban areas to which cyclists are exposed must also be taken into account.
Explore all teaching and research activities at GDI concerning these goals:
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities