A study carried out by researchers at the NIHR BRC Leicester has demonstrated how personalised route planning could help pedestrians and cyclists reduce their exposure to harmful air pollution during daily journeys.
Using graph-based network analysis and detailed air quality data across Leicester, researchers developed a routing algorithm that identifies lower-pollution walking and cycling routes while keeping detours to a minimum.
The study was published in Frontiers in Sustainable Cities in August 2026.
The proof-of-concept study found that routes optimised for air quality achieved meaningful reductions in exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), particularly during peak traffic periods, with only modest increases in journey length. The findings suggest that integrating real-time air quality information into navigation tools could help support healthier active travel choices and maximise the health benefits of walking and cycling.
The research was led by Dr James Donaldson and involved several investigators from the BHF Leicester Centre of Research Excellence, including Professor Andre Ng, Dr Samuel Cai, and Professor Anna Hansell, alongside colleagues from the University of Leicester and wider collaborators.
The work highlights the growing role of data science, environmental health research and digital technologies in addressing cardiovascular health challenges and supporting healthier, more sustainable cities.
Read the full paper: Personalised route guidance to reduce air pollution exposure during active commuting: a proof-of-concept study using graph-based network analysis in Leicester, UK
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