Research Project (Ongoing)

This is a research project which is being undertaken at Oxford Brookes University.

The project focusses on how cities are set up for runners using Oxford as an example. The research question is ' To what extent does Oxfords urban design facilitate or negatively impact the running population'. It will be a report style format of 5000-7000 words and use surveys, case studies and primary research to look at the title.

This is the abstract

Urban design features including street layouts, paving materials, connectivity and proximity to green spaces establish the physical foundation for outdoor exercise. They provide accessibility, safety and structure necessary to support active lifestyles like running. This research project responds to the global surge in running following social media influence and the COVID pandemic. As an affordable and flexible alternative to gym-based fitness, running encourages engagement with nature and the outdoors to support well-being in cities.
Despite this trend there is a significant gap between the urban design infrastructure and the needs of runners. This research will tackle the problem of missing urban design elements where the historic infrastructure in Oxford could be deemed as insufficient. To address this the following research question will be answered "To what extent do Oxford's specific design features facilitate or negatively impact the running population?"
Research will be conducted through surveys, primary research and a comparative case study analysis against a globally recognised running city. By analysing Oxford’s road layouts, running routes, lighting and accessibility features this study will identify Oxfords infrastructure gaps. The comparison will show which values of Oxford’s urban design are most effective and which require intervention in order to support the increase of runners in the city.
Ultimately the results will show that targeted improvements in design can support the future of running in the city to promote long term health and wellbeing for the population.


It will be completed by May 2026.