Comparing sidewalk design status from the pedestrians' perspective versus urban street design standards

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the existing status of paved sidewalks from the viewpoint of pedestrians versus urban road design standards simultaneously. The case study area was Goldasht neighbourhood, located in Shiraz, south of Iran which was assessed objectively using the American Federal Highway Association (FHWA) sidewalk design standards (1999). Furthermore, a sample of 270 questionnaires was completed by local pedestrians in order to evaluate the quality of sidewalk in a subjective way. The data was then analysed using statistical methods such as factor analysis and non-parametric Friedman ranking test. The findings showed that pedestrians' preferences on the levels of service have been rarely considered in pavements of the study area; rather urban road design standards based on minimum space allocation were applied. This research supports the concept that objective and subjective measures complement each other in providing data on walking environment attributes. Therefore, considering both set of factors are required when designing an environment for pedestrians. It is also recommended considering preference-based qualitative approach in both planning and retrofitting urban streets to make more pedestrian-friendly street design.