Collecting Real-World, Pedestrian Mobility Data for Inclusive Urban Planning

A Proof of Concept for capturing the travel experiences of vulnerable road users

As cities aim to design more inclusive mobility systems, collecting real-world data from vulnerable road users is increasingly vital. Yet, existing models often rely on generalized assumptions and fail to capture the lived experiences of these groups.

This whitepaper presents a proof-of-concept study that explores how to ethically and effectively collect pedestrian mobility data from underrepresented populations. Through a combination of GPS tracking, in app surveys, and interviews, the study tested a privacy-conscious, participant-informed approach, co-designed with vulnerable road users themselves.

The paper offers practical recommendations for cities seeking to engage these groups in mobility research and improve the inclusivity of their planning processes. It outlines key best practices around study design, participant engagement, privacy protection, and tool selection, providing a replicable model for future data collection efforts.