Increasing the Use of Urban Greenways in Developing Countries: A Case Study on Wutong Greenway in Shenzhen, China

Yiyong Chen, Weiying Gu, Tao Liu, Lei Yuan and Mali Zeng
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Yiyong Chen: School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Weiying Gu: Pingshan Center for Urban Planning & Land Affairs of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518118, China
Tao Liu: College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
Lei Yuan: School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
Mali Zeng: School of Architecture & Urban Planning, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China

IJERPH, 2017, vol. 14, issue 6, 1-18

Abstract: Given the benefits of urban greenways on the health and well-being of urban populations, the increased use of urban greenways has garnered increasing attention. Studies on urban greenways, however, have been mostly conducted in Western countries, whereas there is limited knowledge on greenway use in urban areas in developing countries. To address this shortcoming, the present study selected Wutong Greenway in Shenzhen, China, as a case study and focused on the use pattern and factors that influence the frequency and duration of urban greenway use in developing countries. An intercept survey of greenway users was conducted, and 1257 valid questionnaires were obtained. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between potential predictors and greenway use. Results showed that visitors with a varied sociodemographic background use Wutong Greenway with high intensity. Various factors affect the use of urban greenways, including individual and environmental factors and greenway use patterns. Unlike previous studies, we found that accommodation type, length of stay at present residence and mode of transportation to the greenway are important factors that affect greenway use. In contrast with studies conducted in Western countries, less-educated and low-income respondents visit the Wutong greenway even more frequently than others. Thus, the greenway is an important public asset that promotes social equity and that all residents can freely use. To better serve citizens, we suggest that the greenway network should be extended to other areas and that its environmental quality should be improved.

Keywords: frequency of use; duration of use; logistic regression; urban greenway (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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