The correlations of the urban environment with walking and cycling in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic review

Abstract

Walking and cycling are crucial for promoting sustainable urban mobility, public well-being, and environmental benefits. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the uptake of these active transportation modes remains influenced by a range of built environment and socio-economic factors. This paper explores how urban environment correlates with peoples’ propensity to engage in walking and cycling in SSA. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 23 English peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2025 were identified from the African region and included in the systematic review. The findings revealed that built environment attributes which include population density, street connectivity, land use diversity, pedestrian infrastructure, and road safety, are associated with the prevalence of walking and cycling. Additionally, socio-economic factors such as income level, education, gender, and household characteristics play a significant role in shaping active travel behaviours. While high-density, mixed-use neighbourhoods tend to encourage active mobility, challenges such as poor infrastructure, inadequate safety measures, and urban sprawl hinder its adoption. The review also identifies key research gaps, including limited studies on vulnerable populations, lack of longitudinal research, and insufficient evaluation of policy interventions. Based on these insights, the study highlights the necessity for a comprehensive urban planning, improved infrastructure investments, and inclusive mobility policies to foster active transportation in SSA. Future research should adopt interdisciplinary approaches to better understand and address the urban environment attributes to walking and cycling in the region.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 2026 · DOI ↗