Safe and secure accessibility to trails. results of a field survey considering gender-based differences

Abstract

Long-distance walking itineraries are gaining increasing prominence due to their significant contribution to sustainable tourism mobility and the rediscovery of local territories. These trails promote physical and mental health, strengthen local communities and enhance cultural heritage. Ensuring safety and security is essential to foster broader participation and reduce constraints linked to perceived risks. Increasingly present among walkers, women face specific limitations and risks; these include the threat of violence, a factor which significantly influences their behaviour and participation.

By analysing survey data from Italy, Austria and Algeria, this study examines the accessibility of walking routes and how accessibility is affected by risk perceptions - defined by international standards as varying by impact and likelihood. The application of a risk matrix highlights critical areas of perceived risk considering gender-based differences. The results reveal how men and women assess and respond differently to potential hazards, influencing their itinerary preparation and safety measures. The study highlights gender differences in risk perception, risk experiences, preparedness, and preferred interventions. These differences underscore the need for tailored approaches in trail planning and risk management to ensure inclusive, effective safety measures, aiming to encourage greater participation, especially among women.