Abstract
Considering the importance of technical accessibility parameters to the adequacy of urban areas for all people, this study aimed to develop a quantification method of pedestrian accessibility based on the technical standardization. The Accessibility of Walkable Spaces index (AWS) is composed of seven measurable indicators according to standards of accessibility, ranging from 0 (Inaccessibility) to 1 (Accessibility). After an audit of 570 sidewalk stretches in São Tomé, State of Paraná, Brazil, the Inaccessible situation was verified as the most recurrent (60.3% of the sidewalk stretches). The best conditions were found in the more consolidated urban central area, as demonstrated by the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests (p < 0.05). The method showed adequate applicability. So, municipalities can use AWS index as a useful planning tool to prioritize interventions and provide inclusive and more sustainable environments to its citizens.
Highlights
The promotion of accessibility in cities is a fundamental element to guarantee equal access to goods and services for citizens
In Brazil, the Brazilian Association of Technical Norms [Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas] NBR 9050:2015 (ABNT, 2015) presents specifications that must be followed in environments destined to pedestrian circulation, according to Law No 13146 (Brazil, 2015)
The PDUOS (São Tomé, 2006) determines the zoning of the town, which is organized by José Madureira Avenue, which covers the entire Commerce and Services Zone (CSZ) and most of the Industrial Zone (IZ)
Summary
The promotion of accessibility in cities is a fundamental element to guarantee equal access to goods and services for citizens In this way, everyone can enjoy the benefits that walking provides, in particular, according to Singh (2016) and Tong, Wang, and Chan (2016), regarding the economy, health, and wellbeing. Due to the plurality and scope of technical regulations, the selection and application of the guidelines related to the theme may be difficult, especially when a local government demands effective intervention strategies for the urban environment In the literature it is observed several walkability quantification models elaborated over the years. This occurs because these tools do not consider precisely all variables associated with the accessibility, which is necessary for the technical and legal compliance of built environments In this context, the development of a model able to indicate practical and effective interventions, according to accessibility standards, becomes relevant. This study aimed to propose a model to measure the level of accessibility of urban spaces dedicated to the pedestrian circulation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
