Disposing of Daily Life Resources by Active Modes: Analysis Based on Ergonomics of Access Applied to the Eurometropole de Strasbourg

Today, many cities are implementing policies that promote sustainable mobility, including reducing car dependency, expanding pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and improving public transport. However, these policies also raise the question of their impact on access to everyday resources: Are these sustainable mobility options designed in a way that effectively meets the needs of the population as a whole, or only selectively? Can active modes such as walking and cycling offer a viable alternative to the car for accessing essential services across the entire urban area?

Addressing these questions requires analyzing how mobility infrastructure aligns with spatial ergonomics — the ease and convenience with which people can reach necessary destinations. Ergonomics of access is crucial for the 15-minute city model, where the aim is to ensure that residents can conveniently reach essential services (e.g., workplaces, shops, schools) within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. Poorly designed infrastructure or barriers can create disparities in access, leaving some areas underserved and undermining the promise of equitable mobility.

A detailed geographical analysis applied to 12 test areas in the Eurométropole de Strasbourg using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has highlighted socio-spatial disparities. Understanding these differences allows cities to identify where improvements are needed to create cohesive, accessible, and equitable urban environments. By integrating spatial ergonomics into planning, local authorities can develop targeted strategies that enable all residents, regardless of location or socio-economic status, to shift towards more sustainable travel modes, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of sustainable mobility policies.