Analyses of walkability in city centers: a framework to assess Walkabiity based on street conditions, proximity of services & urban morphological conditions

Abstract

Many studies utilized the ‘Walkability Index’ to measure the level of the walkability of cities predominately based on street conditions and road infrastructure availability while giving limited attention to factors such as urban morphological conditions and proximity to activities and services. This study argues that the actual walkability should be calculated by using not only considering the effects of walking conditions on streets but also, considering the urban morphological conditions and the proximity of services. The main objective of the study is to develop a framework to measure walkability in the city centers’ by accessing the multidimensional aspects including walking conditions on streets, density, functional mix, accessibility, and proximity to services. As the main outcomes, the study was able to i. develop a quantitative framework to measure walkability in the city centers’ by considering and combining the multidimensional aspects ii. quantify the level of the walkability of ten small and medium-sized towns in Sri Lanka and rank them. Accordingly, the study concludes that the findings could be beneficial for urban planners as they can effectively quantify the level of walkability in town centers by using the developed framework when developing Site Plans/ Development Guide Plans/ Local Plans. Further planners can utilize this framework to identify the parameters that they need to enhance to improve the walkability of towns.