Accessibility of urban regions on a low car diet – A research agenda for digital twins

Abstract

Worldwide, cities and urbanised areas attract more people and economic activities. In addition, new ways of working, shopping and recreation, mobility and ‘ownership’ are introduced– all influenced by digitalisation. The United Nations (2018) expect the world-wide population living in urbanised regions to grow from 55% to 68% by 2050. However, concentration of residential, industrial, commercial, and recreational activities leads to an increasing pressure on land use and accessibility, potentially causing adverse environmental, health and liveability effects. Increasing housing density and decreasing space for transport infrastructure and parking call for new smart mobility approaches to ensure sustainable and inclusive accessibility.