How walkable is an urban street? An expert-based public space and walkability assessment method

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology that aims to support the evaluation and assessment of pedestrian- and micromobility-oriented transformations (reallocations) of public spaces in dense urban environments from a walkability perspective. A walkability assessment methodology developed earlier was revised by applying a modified set of criteria that introduced new elements such as attractive shops and services, ground-floor street frontage, and green spaces. The relative importance of these criteria was recalibrated through 30 expert interviews, which formed the basis of a new weighting system for the walkability assessment methodology. This system can provide a comprehensive evaluation of individual public spaces or larger networks, offering an objective framework for evaluating existing conditions or planned developments. Furthermore, a case study illustrates the application of the revised methodology using data obtained from a comprehensive on-site survey of the Palace Quarter in Budapest, Hungary—a densely built-up urban area near the city centre with negligible through traffic. The results demonstrate the versatile usability of the methodology, and the positive impact of public space reallocations implemented in the Palace Quarter over the last 20 years. However, they also highlight several shortcomings, ranging from infrastructural issues such as narrow sidewalks, to the public spaces’ appeal, including unfavourable street frontage and unfriendly land use for pedestrians, as well as a lack of or poor-quality green spaces. • Revised walkability method with new criteria focusing on densely built-up areas. • Recalibrated weights by expert interviews for 37 criteria in five key categories. • A case study in Budapest shows gaps in attractiveness despite infrastructure developments. • The attractiveness sub-index showed the highest variation, stressing its importance. • The method supports detailed, location-specific assessment of walkable public spaces.

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