Walking in urban neighbourhoods − Insights from a mixed methods approach and citizen science in walkability research
Walkability has become a major topic in mobility and transport research over the last decade. To investigate the complex nature of walkability, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is often suggested. This paper introduces a mixed methods approach applied in a research project exami...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-09-01
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| Series: | Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590198225002672 |
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| Summary: | Walkability has become a major topic in mobility and transport research over the last decade. To investigate the complex nature of walkability, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is often suggested. This paper introduces a mixed methods approach applied in a research project examining urban walkability at the neighbourhood scale in three European cities: Gothenburg, Dortmund and Genoa. Of the four methods used, our innovative citizen-science based Walking Route Assessment is the focus of this paper. The complementary roles of other methods (spatial modelling, household survey and walk-along interviews) are also discussed to reveal the benefits of mixed methods approaches for future walkability studies. The paper identified a set of prerequisites for improving perceived walkability. To enhance walking environments, more green space and place-making aspects should be taken into account, along with improving traffic safety and pedestrian environments through small interventions and the day-to-day maintenance of public spaces. The citizen-science led method played an important role in highlighting the areas for improving urban walkability, with photographic evidence. Cross-examination with the results from other methods provided deeper insights into people’s perceptions of their walking environment and routes on a neighbourhood scale. |
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| ISSN: | 2590-1982 |