Walking in small cities case studies of two Iranian cities

Abstract

Studies rarely have focused on small cities to figure out what prevent individuals from walking where distances are already short. After a data collection (857 respondents) in two small cities in Iran, this study reveals the influential factors on walking rather than motorized mode, and; as a marginal investigation, private car rather than taxi sharing. Results showed that men, 30 to 60 years old, higher educated, car owners and driving license holders are less likely to walk. Furthermore, comfort, a strong motivator along with entertainment and health and social norm are latent variables that influence on walking, however corresponding perceptions are different in leisure and working trips. Moreover, individuals expect safety and security as the minimum requirements for walking regardless of the aim of travel. Similarly pro-environmental behaving raise walking among urbanites, although slightly. Intriguibly; result clarifies that residents in small cities seek for the same factors in large cities, however priority, scale and complexity may differ in two types of cities which require more investigation as well as objective studies. Boosting build environmental characteristics, raising safety and security, informing individuals of personal and social outcomes of walking, advertising programs in order to motivate social support and pro-environmentally behaving, making urban spaces multifunctional, keeping travel distances short in city expansion plans by proper mixing land use, targeting work and leisure trips separately and informing individuals about the existing opportunities of walking are the key conclusions of the study that are recommended to be considered in future policy makings in small cities.