Assessment of Walkability on Selected Streets and Neighborhoods of Hawassa City
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Date
2024-06-18
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the walkability in selected streets and neighborhoods in Hawassa City by identifying the built environment features that affect walkability in inner-city, intermediate, and suburban areas. Additionally, it aims to create a local walkability index for Hawassa. To achieve this, the research has identified the indicators, parameters, and indexes associated with walkability. To determine the walkability status of Hawassa City's inner-city, intermediate, and suburbs, various qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. The study assessed the walkability factors related to the built environment features and examined indicators that impact walkability on Hawassa City streets, then measured the local walkability index. The results indicate that the suburbs are not walkable and mostly lack pedestrian friendly features, with an average 36.54 local walkability index. The Inner City, also known as Arab Sefer, has an average of 71.69, indicating moderate walkability. The intermediate area has an average of 74.77, indicating that it is mostly walkable. Overall, Hawassa City has an LWI ranging from 58.76 to 64.44, with an average of 62.6, which means it is moderately walkable. The study evaluated the quality of footpaths, street patterns, street lighting, visibility, safe pedestrian crossings, even slope or gradient along the route, continuity of routes, a well connected street network, easy access to facilities and services, proximity to destinations such as schools, shops, other local services, and public transport, and developed a local walkability index by measuring perception using a Likert scale, rating weights assigned to the indicators based on their relevance and importance. The study findings from the walkability assessment revealed several factors that affect the walkability of streets and neighborhoods in Hawassa City. These were categorized into five safety-related factors: orientation, comfort, diversity, and local destinations. In conclusion, the study highlights the need for safe, comfortable, secure, diverse, and accessible streets that prioritize pedestrian-friendly urban design
Key Words: Walkability Concept, Walkability, Walkability Assessment, Walkability Indicators, Local Walkability Index.