New Risks to City Dwellers’ Health and Security Due to Micromobile Devices Development

Abstract

The dynamic development of urban areas and the growth in the number of city dwellers are leading to an increasing burden on transport systems. The growing number of vehicles generates a number of problems, such as air pollution, noise, traffic congestion and a deterioration in the quality of residents’ life. In this context, micro-mobility is becoming an important element of modern urban transport systems, offering environmentally friendly solutions for short-distance travel and contributing to reducing the negative effects of motorisation. However, the development of micromobility requires a coherent urban policy, investment in infrastructure and effective regulations to ensure the users’ safety and comfort. The aim of this article is to analyse the impact of the development of micromobility on the health and safety of city residents. The research is based on a pilot survey conducted among pedestrians and users of micromobility vehicles in Gdańsk, Warsaw and Berlin, supplemented with photographic documentation from fieldwork. The results of the study allow identifying key risks associated with the development of micromobility in the context of the health and safety of urban population.