Sustainable Urban Mobility through Open Data Repositories and Data Analytics: Improving Walkability and Cyclability in Barcelona

Abstract

Urbanization and climate change challenge urban mobility in large cities. Barcelona, ​​as a case study in the Acciona y Conecta project, funded by the City Council, addressed these challenges through an analysis of its infrastructure to promote sustainable, safe and equitable mobility. The study used open data and data science and mining techniques to assess key factors such as the quality of sidewalks, traffic, pollution and road safety, critical elements for walkability and cyclability. This analysis fed artificial intelligence algorithms that classified urban stretches according to accessibility and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. The results produced a detailed categorization of the infrastructure, identifying areas of risk and opportunity. A publicly accessible interactive dashboard allows these metrics to be visualized, helping urban planners and authorities to design strategies that promote active mobility and reduce the impact of motorized transport. This approach not only improves quality of life and green infrastructure, but also mitigates the effects of climate change. The developed tool has been replicated in Helsinki and Madrid, demonstrating its adaptability and promoting global sustainable urban policies. In addition, the study revealed the correlation between pedestrian infrastructure, economic activity and accidents, proposing specific interventions to reduce risks. This innovative model redefines urban planning, providing practical solutions to create more resilient and sustainable cities.