Abstract
Transportation is the major contributor of ever-increasing CO2 and Greenhouse Gas emissions in cities. The ever-increasing hazardous emissions of transportation and energy consumption have persuaded transportation and urban planners to motivate people to non-motorized mode of travel, especially walking. Currently, there are several urban walkability assessment models; however, coping with a limited range of walkability assessment variables make these models not fully able to promote inclusive walkable urban neighborhoods. In this regard, this study develops the path walkability assessment (PWA) index model which evaluates and analyzes path walkability in association with the pedestrian’s decision-tree-making (DTM). The model converts the pedestrian’s DTM qualitative data to quantifiable values. This model involves ninety-two (92) physical and environmental walkability assessment variables clustered into three layers of DTM (Layer 1: features; Layer 2: Criteria; and Layer 3: Sub-Criteria), and scoped to shopping and retail type of walking. The PWA model as a global decision support tool can be applied in any neighborhood in the world, and this study implements it at Taman Universiti neighborhood in Skudai, Malaysia. The PWA model has established the walkability score index which determines the grading rate of walkability accomplishment for each walkability variable of the under-survey neighborhood. Using the PWA grading index enables urban designers to manage properly the financial resource allocation for inspiring walkability in the targeted neighborhood.
Highlights
Transportation is the major contributor of ever-increasing CO2 and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in all major cities in the world
Empirical investigation in the background of this study found a theoretical framework of positive association between walkability and pedestrian’s decision making, no global solution for this problem could be found
The Path Walkability Assessment (PWA) index model has been developed based on two significant philosophies of walkability evaluation: “well-designed” urban walkability, and “most-in-use” path walkability
Summary
Transportation is the major contributor of ever-increasing CO2 and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in all major cities in the world. Urban and transportation professionals are rethinking how to reduce the travel rate and demand as much as possible; for instance, promoting non-motorized modes of travel. They are attempting to encourage people to change their travel behavior to a less energy-intensive mode of travel (i.e., walking). The walking mode supports simultaneously personal and public interests; it promotes the public health (physically and mentally) and contributes to less fuel consumption, less CO2 and GHG emissions, and fewer road fatalities and accidents. Walkable and pedestrian-oriented urban design uses less land per traveler than driving, less energy resource consumption, less pollution and reduces driver frustration (www.walkinginfo.org)
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