Establishing Performance Criteria for Evaluating Pedestrian Environments

Laura Eboli, Carmen Forciniti (), Gabriella Mazzulla and Maria Grazia Bellizzi
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Laura Eboli: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Carmen Forciniti: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Gabriella Mazzulla: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Maria Grazia Bellizzi: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: (1) Background: Promoting pedestrian mobility represents a strategy for achieving a sustainable transportation system, where problems such as traffic congestion, air and noise pollution are minimized. For this aim, it becomes fundamental to identify pedestrian environments that can facilitate and encourage making trips by walking. The objective of this paper is to provide a practical methodology that can assist the analyst in identifying the best alternative among some pedestrian paths with different characteristics. (2) Methods: To this aim, subjective, objective and mixed indicators were proposed to measure the performance criteria adopted for evaluating the alternatives. A multi-criteria analysis was applied as a tool of evaluation. (3) Results: The findings of the work suggest that pedestrians seem to appreciate the tree-lined paths and prefer to keep bike lines separated from pedestrian paths. Number of crosswalks is relevant in the evaluation of pedestrian paths, especially when there are shops along the path. Aspects related to the conditions of the pavement and to comfort and environment are less relevant. (4) Conclusions: The use of both subjective and objective indicators allows consideration of some different aspects and discovery of more interesting findings. Management strategies could be oriented to make the paths more delightful and serviceable for the users.

Keywords: pedestrian mobility; objective indicators; subjective indicators; MCDA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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