Research Project

This is an ongoing research project to be completed in may 2026

Title of Research Project "To what extent does Oxford's urban design facilitate or negatively impact the running population.

Research 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 urban design features facilitate or negatively impact the running population?"

Research has been conducted through a survey that received 100 responses, a field work run, Strava map analysis and a comparative case study analysis against Copenhagen, a globally recognised running city. By analysing Oxford’s road layouts, running routes, lighting and accessibility features this study will identify Oxford's 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.