SUM Project partners, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and Technical University of Munich (TUM), showcased their latest research at the 2025 Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting (TRBAM). Dr. Panagiotis G. Tzouras and Mr. Stefanos Tsigdinos (NTUA), along with Dr. Anna Takayasu and Prof. Klaus Bogenberger (TUM), presented a poster titled “A Spatial Analysis of Safety Perceptions Across Different Transport Modes: Insights from Athens and Munich.”
This research is an integral part of the SUM Project’s efforts to advance sustainable urban mobility and shared mobility solutions. By addressing critical challenges related to safety perceptions across transport modes, the study utilizes spatial analysis to compare perceived safety in areas related to the Living Labs of Athens and Munich. Its findings provide valuable insights into how urban road space can be restructured to support the deployment and wider adoption of shared and active mobility solutions in diverse urban settings.
Key Findings from the Study:
• Athens: Safety perceptions are highest in the city center, but inadequate infrastructure in other areas creates barriers to the use of micromobility options like e-bikes and e-scooters.
• Munich: A more balanced distribution of safety scores is achieved through extensive cycling infrastructure, 30 km/h zones, and pedestrian-friendly road design, supporting a wider adoption of sustainable modes.
The findings highlight how perceived safety plays a pivotal role in shaping travel behaviour, particularly for shared and micromobility services. By prioritizing infrastructure improvements, cities can encourage greater use of these modes, reduce reliance on private cars, and promote equitable access to urban spaces.
This research contributes to SUM by providing evidence-based recommendations for integrating safety considerations into the planning and design of shared mobility systems. It underscores the importance of redistributing urban road space to support alternative modes, enhance accessibility, and create more inclusive cities.
The full paper will soon be available on the website, further enriching the knowledge base on shared urban mobility policies and deployment.