Perception Based Evaluation of Pedestrianization at Liberty Market Lahore

Abstract

Numerous individuals believe that non-motorized modes normally, walking, cycling, and biking, are less privileged to utilize public roads than motor vehicles. More often, pedestrians and cyclists are not facilitated to use the public road to avoid traffic delays. This highlights the biasness of transportation planning practices towards motorized travel and constant negligence in the planning of pedestrian infrastructure. Pedestrianization is adopted as a distinctive practice around the globe; it implies the expulsion of vehicular traffic from the avenues of urban regions as it holds significant social, affordable, and ecological advantages. But in Pakistan, there are no such instances of pedestrianization, especially in Lahore there are three models Liberty Market, Anarkali and Fortress Stadium. In Anarkali Market pedestrianization venture was a disappointment, while in Liberty Market pedestrianization task is a triumph. This study explores the factors contributing to the success of pedestrianization through literature review and detailed survey from shopkeepers and pedestrians of Liberty Market. It was gleaned out that landscaping, street furniture and overall ambience are not the only factors for the success of a pedestrianization, but security, parking facilities, adherence to law and maintenance of order plays a vital role as well.