Dr Paulo Anciaes

Research summary

I am interested in the social and health aspects of transport and mobility and the distribution of benefits and costs of transport among different groups and users of different modes. See more at anciaes.com.

I am currently a work package leader and member of the steering committee of the EU-funded MOVE2CCAM project, developing a comprehensive impact assessment of autonomous vehicles for passenger and freight transport. This considers socio-economic, health, and environmental aspects and the needs of all individuals (regardless of age, gender, income, and location) and companies (regardless of size and location).

In 2018-2022, I was a work package leader and member of the steering committee of the EU-funded MORE project on the allocation of urban streetspace. I developed tools to generate solutions that balance the needs of all users and economic, social, and environmental objectives. Let's imagine we want to improve conditions for pedestrians but without making bus users worse off than they are now. And at the same time reducing emissions and improving the local economy. My tools give a list of solutions, backed by scientific evidence. The tools are available here. If you rather see the full list of options as a 450-page book, download The Urban Streetspace Book

Less obvious solutions for street design

I have also done a lot of research on pedestrian mobility, particularly community severance (the barrier effect of roads on pedestrians). Do people living near busy roads walk less than others? What is the effect on physical activity, social contacts, and wellbeing? Can we measure the cost of these effects? These questions are especially relevant for older people, for whom walking is vital for health and wellbeing. I have collaborated with colleagues from public health, urban planning, and participatory mapping on several projects. I have published extensively on this topic and spoke about it in 44 events around the world.

I have also developed a tool to forecast the effect of reducing barriers to pedestrians. Let's say we want to reduce the number of traffic lanes, or reduce speed limits, or add crossing facilities, or move the facilities 5 metres away. What is the result on the barrier effect (on a scale from 0 to 100)? How many pedestrians will stop crossing the road in unsafe locations? How many extra walking trips will be made? And what is the benefit of all this measured in terms of money? My tool can answer these questions. Try it here.

Separated by the road

I am also interested in urban mobility in the Global South and the equity implications of increased motorization in cities with rapid population growth. I have worked with colleagues in Cabo Verde and Cuba to map public transport accessibility and walking conditions.

New roads, same old problems for pedestrians in African cities

Education

Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal

Other Postgraduate qualification (including professional), Postgraduate Diploma |

London School of Economics and Political Science

Doctorate, Doctor of Philosophy |

Universidade de Coimbra, Portugal

First Degree, Bachelor of Science |

Tohoku University, Japan

Other higher degree, Master of Science |

Publications

Show more publications