Redefining active mobility from spatial to social in Singapore

Abstract

Introduction

Walking is an active mobility option with health and social benefits. Many cities including Singapore are expanding pedestrian infrastructure and creating walkable neighbourhoods. But the connection of neighbourhood walkability and walking behaviour among residents, especially older adults remains less examined. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between everyday walking behaviours and neighbourhood design characteristics.

Methods

Utilising generative focus group discussions with 12 participants, including older adults, this exploratory research collected personal and collective stories on residents' walks around Singapore's high-rise, high-density public housing neighbourhoods of Tampines Town, including their attitudes, aversions, and aspects of environmental barriers and enablers for walking.

Results

All 12 participants had walked in their neighbourhoods during the 7 days preceding the focus group discussion. A key motivation for walking in the neighbourhood was everyday life activities and needs, such as to get out of the house, walking for food, groceries, work, exercise, and health, reinforcing the pivotal role of these opportunities in residents’ active mobility life space and the availability and accessibility to these local facilities. Drawing on their everyday lived experiences, participants shared their conception of walkable neighbourhood, the adequacy of neighbourhood places for walking, the environmental barriers and enablers. Older participants spoke about walkable environments helping them to reach essential destinations safely every day and contributing to not only their physical health but also social and mental health (through contact with nature and interaction with neighbours and others within the neighbourhood). Where they would walk is often influenced by their perception of the place, sense of safety, and the presence/absence of services.

Conclusions

The findings lend local priorities for walkable neighbourhoods based on what residents think and blending social consensus. The policy implication is a need to consider both place enhancement and people's experience, including experiential micro-social and psychological aspects and their interlinkages when designing inclusive walkable neighbourhood.