The S + 5Ds: Spatial access to pedestrian environments and walking in Seoul, Korea

Abstract

Previous studies have confirmed that pedestrian environments affect walkers' behaviors in terms of density, diversity, design, destination accessibility, and distance to transit. However, street configuration connects walkers with other built environments. Few studies have yet determined the effects on walking volume by measuring street configurations combined with other walking environments. Thus, by capturing spatial accessibility and centrality to pedestrian environments, this study determines how street configuration, combined with pedestrian environments, affects pedestrian mobility. Our multilevel regression models verify the positive effects of higher access to primary destinations, such as neighborhood retail stores, schools, cultural facilities, and available public transit along the local street network on walking volume. Furthermore, while areas with a higher volume of pedestrian accidents and nonresidential land use are the main venues for walkers, access to residential density and parks has negative or no effects on pedestrian mobility. Finally, the effects of spatial access to pedestrian environments varies with multiple neighborhood scales. The key findings imply the significance of spatial access to pedestrian environments on walking volume. Thus, policies to create pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods should consider the relationship between spatial access to pedestrian environments and walking behaviors.