The walkability concept based on pedestrian perceptions in Bandung City Square, Indonesia

Abstract

The concept of walkability is about the provision of a pedestrian-friendly environmental condition that provides security, comfort and safety, and offers visuals for pedestrians. The Bandung City Square Area has various attractions which all promote walking activities. However, the presence of street vendors, the lack of facilities for the disabled, inadequate vegetation, crossings, and supporting facilities, and also illegal parking have caused problems, which have rendered the pedestrian-friendly environmental aspects not being able to be fulfilled. This study aims to assess the walkability of streets in Bandung City Square Area, using aspect of walkability based on pedestrian perception as users. The research was conducted using the Global Walkability Index and Multicriteria Satisfaction Analysis, based on pedestrian perception surveys. The results showed that, the existing conditions of streets’ walkability in Bandung City Square Area is Waiting to Walk, which is adequate for walking. For example, five parameters, namely the availability of crossings, security against crime, disabled infrastructure, grade safety of crossing, and motorist behavior were found to be below average. It can also be concluded that, three parameters, namely crossing safety, security against crime, and disabled infrastructure require immediate attentions. The overall results of the study suggested that, improvement of streets’ walkability is needed by focusing on parameters that are below-average, thus requiring immediate attentions. Further research is recommended to find effective improvements for streets’ walkability, based on the pedestrian perception to have a pedestrian-friendly environment in Bandung City Square Area.