Relationships among Lifestyle Attributes and Attitudes toward Pedestrian Facilities

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of lifestyle of individuals on their walking behavior and their expectations from pedestrian infrastructure. This project is part of a series of studies looking into region specific characteristics of pedestrian behavior. Part of the challenge during this project has been to identify attributes that relate to lifestyle of individuals and collection of relevant data. Large part of the data collection has been carried out over five urban areas in Japan and a supplementary survey has been carried out in Sydney, Australia. The survey has focused on eight lifestyle indicators and ten attitudinal questions related to walking and experience with pedestrian facilities. Statistical analysis and correspondence analysis technique applied in this project have revealed that lifestyle attributes and regional characteristics both have to be considered to obtain an accurate picture of pedestrian attitudes. Some implications of relevance to the planning community have been mentioned.