Impact of Neighborhood Environment on Pedestrian Route Selection among Elementary Schoolchildren in Korea.

Somin Lee,Myeong-Hun Lee

doi:10.3390/ijerph18137049

Abstract

Previous studies on the walking environment of elementary school students have focused on physical factors such as traffic accidents, safety, and the neighborhood environment. However, scholars have yet to consider the behavioral characteristics of elementary school students, particularly in respect to the relationship between environmental factors and behavioral characteristics in pedestrian route selection and safety. Addressing this gap, this study identifies how neighborhood environment factors and behavioral characteristics impact route selection and satisfaction among elementary school students. Accordingly, this study surveyed 251 elementary school students at three elementary schools in Korea and analyzed the spatial forms of the selected sites. In doing so, this study discerns students’ satisfaction with their selection of the shortest or non-shortest route and which environmental factors and behavioral characteristics influenced their selection and satisfaction. Study results have practical implications for policymaking, including valuable insights into the planning of school routes for elementary school students.

Highlights

While several studies have examined route selection according to the composition of the street network, these have tended to focus on pedestrian networks and have overlooked the characteristics of the urban structures around schools [22]. This study addresses these gaps by examining the relationship between neighborhood environment and behavioral characteristics in the route selection of elementary schoolchildren in Korea
This study examines the relationship between neighborhood environment factors and the behavioral characteristics of elementary schoolchildren in selecting pedestrian routes
This study further examines whether route selection varies depending on satisfaction with the neighborhood environment, as well as whether the factors affecting route selection vary according to the characteristics of the region

Summary

Introduction

The growing number of cars has resulted in issues such as traffic congestion and a lack of parking, leading drivers to utilize residential roads in an attempt to bypass traffic or find a place to park. Such practices have resulted in an increased incidence of pedestrian accidents in residential areas. Most roads comprise a mix of vehicle and pedestrian movements—a combination that produces a higher risk of road accidents Both weaker and smaller than adults, children are vulnerable as there is a greater risk of them not being seen by drivers.

Results

Discussion

Conclusion