Walkability and Street Intersections in Rural-Urban Fringes: A Decision Aiding Evaluation Procedure

Abstract

Abstract:We propose a decision-aiding evaluation procedure (i) for classifying road crossings based on their impact on walkability and, subsequently, (ii) for prioritising street improvements, in urban-rural fringe areas. In the peripheral urban-rural fringes, pedestrian mobility is usually less developed and people generally depend more on cars for their everyday chores. Partly this is inevitable given the structural features and supply of services and activities in such areas, but part is due to a frequent neglect of pedestrian mobility in planning and urban design. Measures to improve this state of affairs can include the design of more pedestrian-friendly environments offering to potential users a greater level of security, comfort and convenience when walking to their designated destinations. Our evaluation procedure combines a walkability assessment methodology with the ELECTRE TRI rating procedure, in order to assist planners and decision makers in designing physical streets to enhance the continuity, safety and quality of pedestrian paths. Improving the walking accessibility in the fringe areas of towns is a way to reduce the physical and perceptual distance which separates these contexts from the rest of the city, thus leading to a progressive integration of urban functions.

A decision support tool for a walkable integrated neighbourhood design using a multicriteria decision-making method

“…Capturing and forecasting pedestrians' sequential decision-making while walking needs DTM-based assessment tools. On the other hand, a group of professionals in urban design and other related disciplines is following general and identical series of guidelines, codes and standards in sustainable neighbourhood development (Bereitschaft, 2017;Blecic et al, 2017). In fact, the decision made by this group of professionals is being similarly applied in different neighbourhoods with different environmental, economic, demographic and cultural characteristics.…”

Smart Pedestrian Network: An Integrated Conceptual Model for Improving Walkability

“…Pedestrian facilities are infrastructure provided to enhance the pedestrian environment, to improve pedestrian mobility, safety, access, and comfort. For that reason, pedestrian facilities have been one of the most analysed factors, namely by considering the following criteria: the characteristics, maintenance and continuity of sidewalks [28], the presence of obstacles on sidewalks that creates discomfort and affects pedestrian safety [40]; slopes, as small positive increments in slopes decrease travel speeds and increase the energy and the effort required for walking [41][42]; the presence of trees and greenery that bring several environmental, safety and aesthetic benefits and encourage people to walk and the walking experience [25]; and street furniture that helps in creating a more pleasant and attractive walkable environment [43]. Finally, the characteristics of land use have been found to affect mode choice and walking [44].…”

Re-pedestrianising open spaces through optimising mobility in urban landscape: great importance of the small detail

“…The Pedestrian Environment Data Scan (PEDS) methodology that can evaluate the safety and condition of the pedestrian environment emphasises that continuous and wide enough sidewalks are one of the essential elements of the pedestrian-friendly urban landscape [2]. The essential feature of an open space fit for walking is its levelled connectivity and uninterruptedness [1]. For this reason, keeping sidewalks and other pedestrian walkways continuous and uninterrupted by the driving way is an essential measure to increase the safety and comfort of walking through urban open spaces, streets, squares and parks.…”

“…Current transport and construction technical regulation for planning and design of streets and pedestrian areas in Lithuania still poorly address the new trends in sustainable urban mobility planning [4]. One of strategic Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning (SUMP) measures is prioritising pedestrian and other non-motor mobility against car mobility that encourages more walking in public areas by keeping pedestrian walks as safe and comfortable as possible [1]. The Lithuanian regulation for design and construction of streets and local roads [5] does not regulate this particular situation when driving ways cut through the pedestrian walkways on drive-ins.…”