Discovering user groups of active modes of transport in urban centers using clustering methods

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Felício S. (Author) Other; Joana Hora (Author) FEUP; Ferreira M.C. (Author) Other; Sobral T. (Author) Other; Camacho R. (Author) Other; Galvão T. (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Transport and Health

Vol. 44

ISSN: 2214-1405

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-019-MC3

DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2025.102125

Abstract (EN): Introduction: Urban centers face increasing congestion and pollution due to population growth driven by jobs, education, and entertainment. Promoting active modes like walking and cycling offers healthier and less polluting alternatives. Understanding perceptions of comfort (green areas, commercial areas, crowd density, noise, thermal sensation, air quality, allergenics), safety and security (street illumination, traffic volume, surveillance, visual appearance, and speed limits) are crucial for encouraging active modes adoption. This study categorizes user groups based on these indicators, supporting policymakers in the development of targeted strategies. Methods: We developed a questionnaire to support our empirical study and collected 653 responses. We have analyzed the data using clustering methods such as Affinity Propagation, BIRCH, Bisecting K-means, HAC, K-means, Mini-Batch K-means, and Spectral clustering. The best performing method (K-means) was used to identify the user groups while a random forest model evaluated the relative importance of indicators for each group. Results: The study identified five user groups based on urban mobility indicators for safety and security, comfort, and distance and time. Conclusions: These groups, distinguished by sociodemographic features, include: Street Aesthetes (young men valuing visual appeal), Safety Seekers (employed men prioritizing speed limits), Working Guardians (employed men focused on surveillance and green spaces), Urban Explorers (young women valuing air quality and low traffic), and Comfort Connoisseurs (employed women prioritizing noise reduction and aesthetics).

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific