Walking Our Way Towards More Sustainable Cities
Translator
Editor
6 July 2024 09:40 WIB
Integrating walking with other modes of transport through Mobility as a Service platforms that provide real-time information about public transport options and their proximity to walkable routes can create seamless travel experiences using a variety of different modes of transport and facilitate more sustainable travel choices.
The connection between good pedestrian infrastructure and increased public transport usage is evident in the study conducted in Sunway City Kuala Lumpur.
Improving walkability in already developed, car-dependent neighborhoods and cities requires a multifaceted approach.
It requires retrofitting infrastructure, revising zoning policies, and implementing placemaking.
Retrofitting roads
Existing streets can be retrofitted by using a road diet approach.
This involves reducing the number of lanes dedicated to cars to widen footpaths and make room for green spaces.
Implementing local area traffic management and traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, narrower lanes and roundabouts to reduce vehicle speeds are also strategies to retrofit existing streets to enhance pedestrian safety and encourage walking.
Revising zoning codes to allow for higher density and mixed-use developments can be achieved by repurposing existing — and potentially underutilized — spaces for new uses that can serve also as attractive destinations for walking.
For example, converting parking lots into pedestrian-friendly areas with shops, cafes, community gardens, and parks. Or converting and repurposing old factories or historic buildings near public transport hubs into community centers or mixed-use developments.
To achieve the best results, land use and space conversion can be integrated with the placemaking process that focuses on creating vibrant, engaging public spaces by adding amenities like seating, lighting, public art, and landscaping that reflect community needs and foster social interaction.
A walkability assessment based on a place's walkability score — a multidimensional index assessing the pedestrian-friendliness of a location — is used to objectively assess walking-related strategies.
Such assessments can be further improved by using advanced AI-based image processing techniques to provide valuable insights into how pedestrians perceive safety and comfort.
Such tools can also automate the analysis of Google Street View data, allowing transport planners to identify trends and patterns in pedestrian perception across different urban areas.
This data-driven approach helps prioritize improvements, targeted interventions, and policy decisions aimed at enhancing walkability, fostering healthier lifestyles, and reducing reliance on cars and other forms of motorized transport.
Enhancing walkability is a powerful strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating healthier, more vibrant, and more sustainable urban communities.
By integrating thoughtful land use planning, urban design, and road infrastructure improvements and leveraging technology, cities can foster walkable environments that benefit both people and the planet.
Originally published under Creative Commons by 360info™.
*) DISCLAIMER
Articles published in the “Your Views & Stories” section of en.tempo.co website are personal opinions written by third parties, and cannot be related or attributed to en.tempo.co’s official stance.
