Pedestrian connectivity: A focus on residential neighbourhood sidewalks to promote accessibility to public parks

Abstract

Public parks play a pivotal role in improving community life in residential neighbourhoods, with many individuals integrating a daily walk to a park near their home as part of their routine. A crucial element of the pedestrian infrastructure that promotes walkability is the use of sidewalks. However, a decline in the usage of both public parks and sidewalks has been reported in residential areas of South Africa due to the challenges discussed in this paper. Studies suggest that ample pedestrian pathways leading to public parks may enhance park usage. This study aims to analyse the functionality of sidewalks in a suburb in Bloemfontein city in South Africa as non-motorised transportation routes and to propose design guidelines for improvement to promote access to public parks in the suburb. The study employs the Conjoint analysis technique to identify factors deterring pedestrians from using sidewalks, thus hindering access to public parks. The results emphasise that the physical layout, and the perceived and actual safety of pedestrians are the primary factors impacting sidewalk usage. For instance, pedestrians frequently opt for roadways over sidewalks despite potential risks, mainly due to insufficient pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The findings suggest that infrastructure upgrades, connected sidewalks and parks, safety measures, inclusive design, community awareness programs, and periodic reviews of pedestrian needs can lead to cities that promote active lifestyles and become more inclusive, sustainable, and conducive to holistic well-being. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the Conjoint analysis technique is a powerful tool in urban planning, providing valuable insights into pedestrian preferences and their implications for infrastructure improvement decisions.