A Comparative Analysis of the Walkability Indices of Bengaluru City Wards: Assessment of Influencing Factors
Keywords:
Walkability; Walkability indices; Pedestrian spaces; Public amenities; Sidewalk qualityAbstract
Bengaluru, one of the fastest growing contemporary cities, has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades. However, this growth has led to excessive dependence on automotives, leading to severe traffic congestion during the day. Additionally, obstacles to pedestrian movement intensify the situation, contributing to increased vehicular usage in the city. Assessment of walkability in a city through walkability indices can help identify diverse factors that affect walkability. To gain a thorough understanding of the dynamics of pedestrian movement in a city, an in-depth review of literature regarding factors affecting walkability and the existing walkability indices was undertaken. Literature review helped identify the diverse influencing factors and these factors were listed and categorized as physical, psychological, social, environmental and policy support factors. Existing walkability indices prevalent in different geographic locations of the world were also studied with respect to the above categories. It was found that there is a need for a walkability index which includes all the above factors and is also applicable to the Indian context. Subsequently, a comprehensive walkability index was formulated that included all the factors and which would be more appropriate to Indian urban environments, considering the country’s heterogeneous social matrix. To assess the walkability of Bengaluru city, research was undertaken to apply this walkability index to 2 wards in the city, selected through purposive sampling. These included 1 ward with high population density and poor pedestrian infrastructure and 1 ward with medium population density and moderate pedestrian infrastructure. The research assessed the walkability in each of these wards with respect to the various influencing factors. A comparative analysis of the walkability index of these wards was then completed to identify factors that need immediate attention to make the city more pedestrian friendly. These critical factors need to be addressed as a priority, to ensure a healthy urban environment in Bengaluru city.
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