Using data to compare the health impact of mobility infrastructure in cities (just what the doctor ordered)

This research looks to exploring the appropriate model and methodology for a scenario appraisal tool which will utilize data to assess mobility infrastructure designs in relation to health benefits in developed countries. This will be achieved by testing the emerging model and methodology on several case study sites in different countries. There are three stages:
1. Benchmarking / 'check up'
Existing site area / mobility infrastructure will be assessed according to BRE's emerging Healthy Cities Index indicators and compared to current performance across the city and in other similar cities worldwide
2. Opportunities and constraints assessment / 'diagnostics'
Options for alternative mobility infrastructure and potential constraints are identified and compared with local priorities and easy-wins. -
3. Design testing / 'prognosis'
New design proposals can be tested against the base case (i.e. existing site area) and assessed using the same defined indicators / measures for health and other benefits.
We propose the following methodology and research stages (see excel spreadsheet):
1. General overview / trends on mobility infrastructure and health
2. Definition of key relationships between health benefits and mobility infrastructure with reference to co-benefits across other social, economic and environmental considerations.
3. Selection of existing best practice studies with regards to mobility infrastructure and the benefits identified in the previous phase.
4. Identify measures and indicators for enabling the scenario's benchmarking purposes and identification of opportunities / constraints.
5. Analysis / review of existing tools / methodology - this includes identifying existing tools / methodologies, gaps / opportunities and the market.
6. Analysis / review of data - this includes existing data, data gaps and data requirements and quality.
7. Development of the methodology to enable the scenario tool development at the three stages of benchmarking (check-up), identifying opportunities / constraints (diagnosis) and testing scenarios (surgery).
8. Testing the methodology using existing and available software and tools on one or two project test case studies - 'proof of concept'.
9. Research / Technical reporting
10. Communicating research: development of marketing material and dissemination internally and externally

A better model for predicting the health benefits of infrastructure and urban design, which will be marketed by Arup and BRE.

The research reports and communications deliverables (poster pull out) will be made available on the relevant internal skills networks / interest groups and include presentations on the methodology and findings.
The research will be externally communicated through the thought leadership piece written by Arup / BRE and potentially be presented at the 2016 WHO International Healthy Cities Conference. Other activities may include a short video showcasing the research results to be disseminated via social media.