Stepping towards transformation: Adaptations and functions of walking practices in the pandemic urban neighbourhood

Abstract

Many concepts of the post-pandemic urban neighbourhood transitioning into a socio-ecological and resilient future centre on walking. However, the lived experiences of walking – beyond frequencies, rationalities or specific features of the built environment – are less reflected in these concepts. This paper studies the dynamics of walking and its entanglements with practices of everyday life in an urban neighbourhood. Under the analytical lens of the COVID-19 pandemic, qualitative focus groups were conducted to explore walking experiences. The analysis of adaptations and functions of walking shows the versatility of walking practices in their flexibility and resilience. Walking in a neighbourhood that is attributed high walkability functions as a key mode in everyday coordination. Walking, however, is not exclusively pleasurable, accessible or directly conducive to a shift away from carbon-intensive everyday practices. Rather, the complex and multi-dimensional role of walking within a socio-ecological and resilient transformation requires policy and planning to address the relations of different elements and practices. The paper contributes qualitative insights to both walkability and COVID-19 transport literature, and demonstrates the benefits of a social practice perspective.