An Investigation of The Impact of Sidewalk Vendors on Pedestrian Safety and Pedestrian Utilization of The Sidewalk: A Case Study in Yeka Sub City, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Ethiopia's can benefit from effective NMT, particularly walking. The city's rapid population growth and migration have led to street vending activities, causing obstructions and pedestrian safety threats. This negatively impacts the city's economy, reducing pedestrian service and increasing delays (Sahani et al. 2017; Bahiru, 2019). Traffic accidents cause 1.19 million deaths annually in the world, with pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists being the most vulnerable (50%). Low- and middle-income countries account for 92% of fatalities, despite having 60% of the world's vehicles (WHO, 2023). Ethiopia's road traffic deaths increased by over doubled between 2007 and 2018 (from 2,161 to 4,597), with Addis Ababa experiencing high pedestrian fatalities (Priti Gautam et al. 2020).
The study investigates the impact of sidewalk vendors on pedestrian safety and Pedestrian Utilization of the Sidewalk in Yeka sub-city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It uses analysis techniques like ordinal logistic regression, Conjoint Analysis, and Pedestrians' Preference Score to understand perceived safety and predict sidewalk usability. Primary data was collected through questionnaires, surveys, and field observations, while secondary data was gathered from various sources, including Addis Ababa city police commission crash data.
The study investigates pedestrian safety in Yeka sub-city sidewalks using an ordered logit regression model, issues vendors and examining relevant inputs. It finds that vendor activity negatively affects safety, while sidewalk adequacy indirectly enhances it. Factors like PLOS and surface condition significantly impact perception, with improved walking surfaces and PLOS variables improving safety. Encroachment on roadways also negatively affects safety, with sidewalks limiting walking opportunities. Factors like sidewalk width, age, frequency, purpose, education, walking distance, and time also influence perceived safety.
The study uses conjoint analysis to generate part-worth utility and relative importance values for each attribute level in a hypothetical profile then Total Utility Value was determined. It uses pedestrians' preference score to measure evasion using sidewalks. Key sidewalk attributes affecting walkability, such as width, flow rates, obstructions, and sidewalk condition, are identified. The survey shows walkable width is the most important attribute, with 1.5m-2.5m desirable.
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Keywords
Walking, vendors, pedestrian safety, sidewalk usability, ordinal logistic regression, pedestrians’ preference score, Conjoint Analysis, Yeka Sub City