Perceptions Of Walkability Research Articles

Built Environment and Walkability: Investigating Urban Design Qualities by Serial Vision Method at Itahari Chowk

The current state of Itahari chowk reflects the challenges of urban development and the prioritization of vehicular traffic. The study examines the connection between the built environment and walkability, utilizing Itahari chowk as a study area. This paper aims to quantify the degree of walkability in relation to built environment while comprehending how the built environment affects people’s walking habits and how aspects of walkability related to urban architecture are related to physical attributes. The study employs a thorough analysis of walkability coverage across four distinct spots within Itahari chowk using Gordon Cullen serial vision method. This method rooted in urban design principles evaluates four crucial qualities: Imageability, Enclosure, Transparency and Human Scale. To further refine the assessment, interview was conducted to gauge the perception of users. Respondents were asked to rank the urban design qualities based on their perceived importance and ranking data were used to determine weightage for each quality. By integrating the weighted evaluation criteria in the walkability coverage obtained through the serial vision method, a more accurate representation of actual walkability experience emerged. The findings obtained from theoretical method (serial vision method) and people’s perception (ranking method) were compared and discuss. The results of this analysis showed that people's perceptions of walkability were different from the theoretical method. The study will be beneficial to pedestrian design professionals and academic interested in this topic. Ultimately the general public will be benefit from more walkable and user-friendly street.

Green-Walkable Infrastructure for Sustainable Development

As a part of implementing a green and sustainable campus, this paper proposes a concept of walkability where the campus’ infrastructure, including buildings and pedestrian paths, must provide walking facilities for students and staff who use pedestrian paths for walking daily. The concept starts by analyzing students’ perceptions of walkability and the basic principle of pedestrian path design. This analysis is developed into a concept named connectedness. It aims to connect buildings and spaces all over the campus so the whole area becomes accessible with the minimum distance of walking. By designing shortcuts, new pedestrian paths, and space for communal activities, the connectedness accommodates students’ needs to walk and socialize safely, comfortably, and attractively as well.

Assessment of the influence of walkability factors on corridor via VIII Febbraio and via Roma in Padova, Italy

<p>Planning and designing for walking are essential to encourage healthy public life, develop sustainable neighborhoods, and improve social life and the economy. In order to promote neighborhood sustainability and public life, this article outlines the elements and factors that lead to more excellent urban walkability. For the research to measure the sense of walkability, a case study was undertaken in the city center of Padova to evaluate pedestrian walking behavior in the city’s most historical corridor. The existing Via VIII Febbraio & Via Roma, two famous pedestrian-dedicated streets which make up a long corridor in the heart of Padova, were chosen as the key case study for they serve an important role in the area, hosting many historic buildings in close proximity. The findings showed that the most critical elements influencing pedestrians' perceptions of walkability in the area were linked to convenience and visual attractiveness.</p>

Walkability premium: evidence for low-income communities

Walkable neighborhoods are known for bringing social and economic benefits to their residents. One of these benefits is the real estate premium associated with the neighborhood's walkability, which has been explored in studies worldwide. Here, we extend the available evidence by proposing the evaluation of the walkability premium in a new context. We use multigroup structural equation models to evaluate the direct and indirect effects on low-income neighborhoods in two Brazilian metropolitan cities, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The walkability perception is modeled, mediating the impact of the built urban environment elements on real estate pricing. The results confirm that we can expect a premium for walkability investments, even in poor neighborhoods under non-ideal conditions for walking, and this result is invariant between cities. The effects of the built environment on the real estate price are mediated by latent perceptions, showing the importance of incorporating subjective measures when assessing the walkability premium. Additionally, Latin American cities' socioeconomic and environmental conditions provide new interpretations of the studied phenomenon, highlighting the importance of considering the local context.

To bike or not to bike: Exploring cycling for commuting and non-commuting in Bangladesh

In recent years, Bangladesh has started moving its transportation vision towards achieving sustainability goals such as increasing bicycle infrastructure, sidewalks, reducing air pollution, etc. To contribute to the ongoing discussion, we explored factors that influence the use of bicycles for different trip purposes in Rajshahi, a medium-sized city in Bangladesh. A face-to-face household survey was conducted to collect individuals’ socio-demographic characteristics, their travel patterns for different trip purposes, and perceptions of the built environment. We developed four Integrated Choice and Latent Variable (ICLV) models to understand the influence of latent perceptions on bicycling for commuting and non-commuting (i.e., grocery shopping, going for tea, and recreational) trips. The analysis indicates that women are more likely to choose a bike for commuting trips but are less likely to use bikes for recreational trips. The results also show that the choice of commuting by bicycle is positively associated with commuting distance and negatively associated with residential land use. Walkability perception has a significant positive association with the choice of bikes for commuting and non-commuting trips. Road safety perception for active travel is positively associated with bike choice for recreational trips, and crime perception of the neighborhood is negatively associated with bike choice for grocery trips. The results from this study will be helpful for policymakers to understand and improve the built environment to attract individuals towards bike use.

Individuals' perception of walkability: Results of a conjoint experiment using videos of virtual environments

In empirical research there is an increasing interest in the role of visualization techniques combined with conjoint experiments to measure perceptions of walkability at neighbourhood and street levels. However, existing studies still mainly use traditional visualization methods (e.g., images and photos), which cannot provide respondents with a holistic perspective to evaluate the built environment accurately. Virtual reality technology could fill this gap. In this study, we conducted a conjoint experiment using videos of virtual environments to investigate how certain groups of people perceive walkability differently. The experiment was conducted on-line conjoint experiment involving a sample of 295 respondents. The hypothetical virtual environments were presented using a dynamic 3D virtual video to visualize different street block designs from the viewpoint of a moving pedestrian. Participants were asked to rate each environment viewed based on the feelings evoked during watching the video. We used a latent class regression model and discrete choice analysis to understand how groups of individuals perceive walkability differently, and what emotions of individuals are associated with walkability. Our results confirmed earlier findings from empirical studies that land use mix, connectivity, road size, open space, and green have an influence on individuals' perception of walkability. We further found that perceived walkability is mainly associated with feelings of comfort and feelings of security.

Neighborhood built environment impacts park use of diverse, low-income mothers and their children

Built environment features, including parks, often exacerbate health disparities. We examined built environment perceptions and park use among a population at high risk for physical health outcomes: racially diverse, low-income mothers across the United States. Perceived safety from crime and living near a park were associated with more frequent park use for mothers and their children, and neighborhood walkability was linked to longer park visits. However, only 40% of mothers lived within a ten-minute walk from a park, and perceptions of walkability and safety from crime were low. To enhance physical activity and health of low-income mothers and their children, investments are needed to close disparities in park access and improve neighborhood safety.

Joint Model of Sustainable Mode Choice for Commute, Shift Potential and Alternative Mode Chosen

Rising traffic congestion and severe air pollution in urban areas have led policymakers to find appropriate strategies to encourage the use of sustainable modes. In this context, this paper investigates three choice dimensions related to the work commute travel: (i) Whether and to what extent are sustainable modes considered? (ii) What factors influence the propensity to shift from the primary work commute mode? (iii) Which mode is most likely to be chosen conditional on the decision to shift? These dimensions are analyzed using data of workers from Chennai, India. As the three choices of an individual may be correlated and mutually endogenous because of common and persistent psychological attributes and modal service characteristics, they are modeled using a multi-dimensional probit model. The results show significant evidence of endogeneity, state-dependence, and unobserved correlation across these dimensions leading to significant improvement in fit measures. The results show that perceptions of walkability and environmental impacts of travel modes affect only the consideration of sustainable modes, while vehicle ownership and accessibility to transit affect all three dimensions. Four different behavioral motivations for the decision to shift from the usual mode: dissatisfaction with service attributes, activity constraints, multimodal travel pattern, and inertia, were identified. The mode to which shift occurs is influenced by household vehicle fleet (number and type), exclusive availability to the given decision-maker, and work distance. The insights from this study can be used to identify suitable factors and frame policies to promote sustainable mode choice at various levels.

Functional Limitations and Perceived Neighborhood Walkability Among Urban Dwelling Older Adults.

Older adults with functional limitations (FLs) often experience obstacles to walking. Although health promotion programs targeting physical activity are available in lower-income areas, few studies have compared the walking experiences of older adults who have FLs with those who do not in the community. The purpose of this cross-sectional survey was to compare perceptions of neighborhood walkability among older adults living in lower-income communities with and without FLs. Participants (N = 132) were recruited in 2018 at regional health clinics in Flint, Michigan. To be eligible, participants had to be 65 years of age or older, report no cognitive decline, and be Flint residents. Of the 132 participants, the mean age was 69.74 (SD = 4.97). The majority were female (66%); African American (77%); single, divorced, or widowed (72%); educated below the General Education Development level (57%), and had a FL (67%). Older adults with FLs were significantly (p < 0.05) less likely than those without to visit many places within walking distance, to have well-lit neighborhoods at night, and to reside in neighborhoods where sidewalks were separated from the road and traffic. Multiple regression analyses revealed that having a FL was associated with poorer neighborhood perceptions of mixed-land-use (b = −0.19, p < 0.05) and more walking hazards (b = −0.26, p < 0.05). Findings suggest that a FL is associated with perceptions of walkability. It is essential to develop disability-friendly support systems and accommodations to encourage walking in lower-income communities.

Walkability Perception in Asian Cities: A Comparative Study in Bangkok and Nagoya

Asian cities are unique, where people may need more than just walking; however, the walkability research in a local context has received less attention. This paper analyses the walking needs and the influential factors of walking behavior in Asian cities. A comparative analysis in Bangkok and Nagoya is presented, taking into account the characteristics of local street design and development. Street evaluation experiments of various streets are conducted through 360-degree videos. The factor analyses indicate that the walking needs in both cities can be considered in two levels, but the components of the needs are different. Being smooth and having no obstacles are common basic needs. Safety and security are regarded as basic needs in Nagoya, but as higher-level needs in Bangkok. Attractiveness of activity and walk pleasure are the common upper-level needs. Street elements such as width, green, traffic, parking, pollution exposure, and activity are found to be influential on the walking needs. The structural equation models indicate that higher-level needs have more of an influence than the lower-level needs for walking behavior in Bangkok and for shop walking in Nagoya, while the basic need has more influence on walking willingness for transit access. These findings call for practical attention for street design and development where local context and street functions must be carefully considered.

Walkability and the Right to the city: A snapshot critique of pedestrian space in Maputo, Mozambique

On the premise of transport inequality, urban mobility and the production of pedestrian space, this research explores pedestrians (im)mobility in Maputo, Mozambique's capital city, as a means of unravelling deeper-rooted issues of societal inequality. Borrowing from the Right to the City (RTTC), walking is repositioned as a potential ‘equalising mode’, reflecting on the social, physical and individual drivers of inequalities for walking in the city. Such analysis responds to existing gaps in a literature about walking that has little to offer about its links with social and economic inequalities in the global South. The paper builds on 22 semi-structured interviews and a journey audit exercise to discover that whilst the unfavourable pedestrian infrastructure makes walking difficult, the social stigmas of this space have a greater impact on people's perceptions of walkability. As such, low-income identities are more likely to walk, frequently in parts of the city where walking infrastructure is minimal (if at all), and may therefore find it more difficult to exercise their RTTC than their high-income counterparts. To challenge the status quo, this study concludes that more ‘hubs’ of opportunity must be created to make walking more equitable in addition to improving the most urgent infrastructural shortages.

Gender differences in a walking environment safety perception: A case study in a small town of Banská Bystrica (Slovakia)

BackgroundA safe environment has been widely accepted as one of the most important walkability predictors. However, the relation between perceived safety and walkability has not been well established. AimsThis paper focuses on quantitative aspects of the relation between perceived safety and walkability, as well as examining spatio-temporal patterns of fear-related areas, with a special emphasis on gender differences among adolescents. Data and methodsData regarding walkability perception and safety perception was collected during a mapping exercise in primary and grammar schools in Banská Bystrica city (central Slovakia), with a final sample of 303 adolescents (13–16 years old, 54% girls). In the experiment, pre-prepared reply forms and maps divided into a square fishnet were used. ResultsRegardless of the time of day, girls felt less safe in public spaces than boys did, especially in the city centre. In general, fear-related spaces for boys were more dispersed than for girls, whose perceived risky areas were more compact and spatially concentrated. Girls' perception of walkability was more affected by feeling safe than that of boys, with fewer gender differences at night. ConclusionsBy mitigating and even eliminating threats observed by girls, gender differences in the perception of barriers to walking can be reduced.

Exploring the influence of neighborhood walkability on the frequency of use of greenspace

The use of greenspace has been linked to multiple wellbeing benefits, however there are many factors that influence whether or not residents visit greenspace. In this study, we explore the factors that influence the frequency of greenspace visitation, with a focus on perceptions of walkability, travel mode, and proximity to greenspace. We use a questionnaire to capture perceptions and behaviors of residents (N = 309) and greenspace users (N = 103) in Tucson, Arizona. We estimated binary logistic regression models to identify predictors of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly visits to greenspace. Results suggest that perceptions of walkability, along with mode of travel, and proximity to greenspace are associated with the frequency of use of greenspace. Walkability elements that were found to influence the probability of greenspace visitation include perceptions of traffic safety (pedestrian and biking infrastructure), surveillance (the extent to which people inside buildings can see pedestrians on the street), and community (spaces that allow social interaction). This study provides empirical evidence to support policies that will improve walkability in neighborhoods so that public health goals of increasing physical activity and wellbeing are achieved.

Exploring perceptions of creativity and walkability in Omaha, NE

It has been suggested that vibrant, walkable urban spaces may contribute to enhanced creativity and innovation by facilitating social interaction and physical activity, and serving as a source of inspiration. Using a survey and participant mapping exercise, this paper examines the potential spatial association between walkability and creativity in Omaha, Nebraska. Randomly selected participants were mailed a survey and map, requesting that they identify either three walkable or three creative locations within the Omaha area. The spatial correlation between the two variables was assessed in part using a newly developed spatial point pattern test. In addition to using perceptions of walkability, an objective measure provided by Walk Score® was employed to further evaluate potential associations. The overall correlation between the two variables was strong; with few exceptions, hotspots of walkability and creativity frequently overlapped. Potential differences in resident perceptions by age, income, education, and residential location were also examined.

Walk Score® versus residents’ perceptions of walkability in Omaha, NE

ABSTRACTWith an easily accessible online interface, Walk Score® has emerged as one of the most popular metrics to assess walkability, both within and outside academia. Based primarily on accessibility to common daily amenities, this quantitative measure is limited to a macro-scale view of urban form that does not consider micro-scale design elements that can significantly impact walking behavior such as building setbacks, sidewalk characteristics, lighting, or traffic volume. This study employed a survey and cognitive mapping exercise to identify neighborhood typologies in which Walk Score and residents’ perceptions of walkability are most likely to align, and, more crucially, where they are most likely to be at odds. Relative to residents’ perceptions, Walk Score tended to overestimate the walkability of suburban strip-mall corridors and underestimate the walkability of recreational areas and small entertainment districts. Potential differences in residents’ perceptions of walkability, and their associations with Walk Score, were also explored.

Relationship between train users’ perceptions of walkability with access and egress mode choice

The purpose of this study is to understand whether there is a relationship between train users’ perceptions of walkability in built environment of trip origin with access mode choice and between train users’ perceptions of walkability in built environment of trip destination with egress mode choice. Train users are who ride from Cicalengka station Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia. To analyze the relationship is used crosstab method. The perceptual factors about walkability are those perceived by the train users consisting of walking distance, safety, comfort, and secure from crime, both in origin and destination of the built environment. The mode choice consist of walking, paratransit, motorcycle taxi, and own vehicles (or others for egress mode). To better understand the relationship is used several control variables, that are trip purposes, train usage, gender, and age. For access trip there is another control variable, that is vehicle ownership. Train users' perceptions of walkability have a relationship with both the access and the egress mode choice, except for the security aspect. The influence of control variables on the relationship between perceptions of walkability with access/egress mode choice varies for walking distance, safety, and comfort.

Measuring Pedestrians Perceptions of Walkability ( breakout presentation )

Research Background Sidewalk asset management is one of the key means of promoting active recreational and utilitarian travel. Encouraging active travel reduces congestion and promotes physical fitness and healthy lifestyles. To promote active travel, municipalities should make educated design and maintenance decisions regarding their investment into their sidewalk infrastructure. These decisions are supported by understanding and quantifying both the number and severity of sidewalk distresses and understanding which design features promote walking behaviour. Existing studies typically capture the physical and geographical features of a segment of sidewalk and compare these features to observed/reported walking behaviour or expert ratings. These studies do not explicitly capture the trade-offs that pedestrians make when selecting between a set of sidewalks. Research Aim This research aims to bridge the gap between the understanding of walkability from the perspective of transportation and asset management professionals and walkability from the perspective of pedestrians. This research captures the explicit trade-offs pedestrians make when selecting a segment of sidewalk to walk along. This micro level of understanding will allow transportation and walkability professionals to gain deeper insights into prioritizing infrastructure maintenance and improvements at a granular level. Method and Results This research proposes the use of a stated preference survey. Stated preference surveys are commonly used in the transportation and marketing fields as means of understanding the impact of the addition of different features which are not present in the real world. Practically, stated preference surveys present a set of alternatives to a survey respondent and ask the respondent to either rank the alternatives or select their preferred choice. These selections are then statistically analyzed using a discrete choice framework. This analysis uses the attributes of each alternative to determine how these attributes influence the preferences of the respondents. The results of this statistical analysis are then used to prioritize maintenance investment decisions. Conclusion This work will improve the understanding of how pedestrians perceive their walking environment. This information is collected using a stated preference survey and discrete choice analysis. Once collected, this information will assist municipalities in prioritizing both maintenance and investment into their sidewalk infrastructure.

Walkability And Change In Physical Activity In A Large Sample Of Middle-aged And Older Australians

PURPOSE: To analyze the prospective relationship between perceived aspects of walkability and changes in walking and physical activity. METHODS: We used three-year longitudinal data (2006/07-2009/10) of adults 45 and older living in metropolitan areas (n=24,341; 62.9±11.3 years) in New South Wales, Australia. Neighborhood environment attributes were measured using the validated Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Survey and physical activity was measured using the validated Active Australia Survey. General linear regression was used with each individual attribute of the residential neighborhood as the exposure, change in walking and total physical activity time as the outcome, adjusted for a range of socio-demographic and health covariates and baseline physical activity levels. RESULTS: During the follow-up period (3.3±0.94 years), the average change in total walking time was an increase of 6.3 min/week (SD=1.4, 95%CI: 3.4-9.1), the average change in total physical activity (VPA weighted by 2) was +6.0 min/week (SD=3.3, 95%CI: -0.34-12.42). There were significant differences in changes in walking and physical activity by perceptions of walkability. Participants who reported having shops (+14.59 min/week, 95%CI: 11.46, 17.71, p<0.001), public transport stops (+7.60, 95%CI: 5.14, 10.06, p<0.001) and recreation facilities (+7.97, 95%CI: 5.41, 10.53, p=0.004) within walking distance, and those who perceived their neighborhood as safe from crime during the day (+7.34, 95%CI: 4.89, 9.79, p=0.017) increased their walking, compared to those with negative perceptions of these attributes who walked less over time. There were no differences in changes of walking by availability of sidewalks and safety at night. Participants who reported shops nearby (+17.6, 95%CI: 10.64, 24.65, p<0.001), and those who perceived their neighborhood as safe at night (+14.54, 95%CI: 8.15, 20.83, p<0.001) increased their overall physical activity, compared to those with negative perceptions of these attributes who decreased their activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: Having access to shops, public transport stops, and recreation facilities, and safety from crime may help with maintenance of walking and physical activity in middle-aged and older adults.

Generation Y's Travel Behavior and Perceptions of Walkability Constraints

The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between urban environment and walking to school and how teenagers’ perceptions of walkability (i.e., how friendly an area is to walking) constraints affected their mode choice. An advanced hybrid mode choice model was developed in which the utilities of the alternative modes depended on the mode characteristics, teenagers’ socioeconomic characteristics, weather conditions, and built environment characteristics, as well as a latent variable referring to walking constraints. The indicators of the latent variable included perceptions regarding the existence of stray animals, poor lighting, narrow sidewalks, parked cars that obscure visibility, unsignalized intersections, and probability of attack and safety en route. A questionnaire survey that took place at high schools of three distinct geographic areas in Greece (an urban area, a rural area, and an insular area) during 2011–2012 was the basis for a case study; 1,988 high school students aged 12 and 18 years old participated in the survey. Adolescents in rural areas walked a greater distance than did urban and insular adolescents. Model estimation results showed that teenagers from each geographical area were affected in different ways by weather conditions and they also perceived the built environment in different ways; this perception indicates how significant the sense of place is. The incorporation of the latent variable enhanced the explanatory power of the model, and the results of the study provide insights on policies that may help Generation Y to keep walking.

The associations between objectively-determined and self-reported urban form characteristics and neighborhood-based walking in adults.

BackgroundSelf-reported and objectively-determined neighborhood built characteristics are associated with physical activity, yet little is known about their combined influence on walking. This study: 1) compared self-reported measures of the neighborhood built environment between objectively-determined low, medium, and high walkable neighborhoods; 2) estimated the relative associations between self-reported and objectively-determined neighborhood characteristics and walking and; 3) examined the extent to which the objectively-determined built environment moderates the association between self-reported measures of the neighborhood built environment and walking.MethodsA random cross-section of 1875 Canadian adults completed a telephone-interview and postal questionnaire capturing neighborhood walkability, neighborhood-based walking, socio-demographic characteristics, walking attitudes, and residential self-selection. Walkability of each respondent’s neighborhood was objectively-determined (low [LW], medium [MW], and high walkable [HW]). Covariate-adjusted regression models estimated the associations between weekly participation and duration in transportation and recreational walking and self-reported and objectively-determined walkability.ResultsCompared with objectively-determined LW neighborhoods, respondents in HW neighborhoods positively perceived access to services, street connectivity, pedestrian infrastructure, and utilitarian and recreation destination mix, but negatively perceived motor vehicle traffic and crime related safety. Compared with residents of objectively-determined LW neighborhoods, residents of HW neighborhoods were more likely (p < .05) to participate in (odds ratio [OR] = 3.06), and spend more time, per week (193 min/wk) transportation walking. Perceived access to services, street connectivity, motor vehicle safety, and mix of recreational destinations were also significantly associated with transportation walking. With regard to interactions, HW x utilitarian destination mix was positively associated with participation, HW x physical barriers and MW x pedestrian infrastructure were positively associated with minutes, and HW x safety from crime was negatively associated with minutes, of transportation walking. Neither neighborhood type nor its interactions with perceived measures of walkability were associated with recreational walking, although perceived aesthetics was associated with participation (OR = 1.18, p < .05).ConclusionsObjectively-determined and self-reported built characteristics are associated with neighborhood-based transportation walking. The objectively-determined built environment might moderate associations between perceptions of walkability and neighborhood-based transportation walking. Interventions that target perceptions in addition to modifications to the neighborhood built environment could result in increases in physical activity among adults.