Investigating transit and pedestrian accessibility for age-restricted communities using spatial analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the United States, the proportion of older adults continues to grow with respect to the total population. Decisions regarding the location and accessibility of age-restricted communities (55 and older) can influence mobility and ultimately affect the health and quality of life of community members. Therefore, identifying age-restricted community accessibility to transit and pedestrian facilities using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is useful for both existing and proposed developments. This research aims to examine transit and pedestrian accessibility/connectivity for age-restricted communities through the development of the Age-Restricted Community Connectivity Assessment (ARCCA) method based on connectivity thresholds and spatial analysis. The development of this method provides agencies with a step-by-step process that can be followed to determine existing and proposed improvements to enhance pedestrian and transit accessibility. ARCCA is applied to a case study in Pennsylvania that compares an urban region (Philadelphia County) and a rural region (Union County) to determine transit and pedestrian accessibility. The case study results suggest that ARCCA is applicable to real-world networks as it supports planning principles of urbanized areas providing more walkable and transit-oriented connections. The method can be used by transportation planning agencies to evaluate community connectivity to sustainable mobility throughout the country. Recommendations focused on method implementation, infrastructure development, and policy implications (such as educating residents on mobility options) are provided to improve connectivity and ensure high mobility for age-restricted community members. Ultimately, the implementation of ARCCA can lead to improved development decisions that can enhance mobility independence for older adults.