Enhancing walking experiences in Baguio City: An AHP-based intersectional analysis of age and regional ethnicity in evaluating the pedestrian need hierarchy

Abstract

Walking offers numerous benefits; however, these are not equally experienced by everyone, as they are influenced by individuals’ identities and "social positions." To effectively promote walking as a transport mode, urban planning must consider both the physical environment and pedestrians' intersectional identities. This paper examines how age, regional ethnicity, and their intersection affect the assessment of environmental attributes that enhance walking experiences in Baguio City using the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Results reveal that pedestrian needs are prioritized as public security, traffic safety, comfort, and convenience, with highlanders emphasizing traffic safety and jeepney services, while older adults prioritize convenience and minimal crowding. The intersectional analysis further uncovers inequities overlooked by unidimensional approaches, like younger highlanders prioritizing vehicle volume reduction and older lowlanders valuing gentle slopes. These findings highlight the benefits of integrating intersectional approaches alongside conventional sociodemographic analyses for a comprehensive understanding of how attribute priorities shift with multiple identity factors.