Micromobilities: The turn to health, social interaction and inclusivity

Walking, cycling and other means of micromobility (encompassing lightweight and non-enclosed vehicles like scooters) share common characteristics of not relying on fossil fuels (zero- or low-carbon), non-enclosed (unprotected), and being slower than mechanized transport modes, such as private cars and trains. With less than five years remain for reviewing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, micromobilities have become more important. First, while traffic injury risk has been the single most important research focus, the much wider interface of slow mobility, environment and health is coming to the forefront. The interface ranges from the negative environmental exposure to health to the more positive environmental exposure to fresh air, greenery and blue assets. Second, micromobilies are important not only for accessibility but also people's desire for mobility, whereby people-to-people interaction and people-environment interaction naturally happen. Third, the special needs of the vulnerable groups in society have become eminent. The need to provide a connected walking, cycling and micromobility infrastructure suitable for use by children and older adults should be prioritized.