Integrating objective and perceived active transportation: Mapping microscale walkability based on pedestrian needs in Baguio City’s CBD

Date of Publication

11-2024

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering

Subject Categories

Civil Engineering

College

Gokongwei College of Engineering

Department/Unit

Civil Engineering

Thesis Advisor

Maria Cecilia R. Paringit

Defense Panel Chair

Alexis M. Fillone

Defense Panel Member

Raymund Paolo B. Abad
Nicanor R. Roxas, Jr

Abstract/Summary

Walking is extensively supported in literature to have numerous benefits; however, these benefits are not equally experienced by everyone, as their utilization is strongly linked to a person’s identity. With the increasing demand for improved mobility in Baguio City, urban planning must consider both the physical environment and pedestrians' preferences shaped by their sociodemographic identities to effectively promote walking as a sustainable transport option. Current objective walkability maps tend to generalize pedestrian experiences, often overlooking how different needs are prioritized, posing challenges in identifying where, what, and how to improve walkability and in understanding the alignment or divergence of these needs with pedestrians' perceptions. The paper aimed to 1) establish the hierarchy of pedestrian needs and environmental walkability attributes using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), 2) reveal sociodemographic differences in prioritization of walkability attributes, 3) integrate these AHP priority values to Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial data to develop pedestrian needs-based microscale walkability maps of Baguio City’s Central Business District (CBD), and 4) compare perceived assessments of CBD streets with generated walkability maps based on pedestrian needs. Results reveal that the hierarchy is defined by public security, traffic safety, and followed by comfort and convenience being of equal importance. The top environmental attributes that enhance utilitarian walkability in the CBD police services, evening lighting, sidewalk availability, crossing facilities, minimal pedestrian, and light vehicular volume. Analysis between groups shows that status (local or tourist), gender, age, income, regional ethnicity, occupation, and tourists' visiting status result in different prioritizations across various attributes. The comparison of objective and perceived walkability identifies alignment in traffic safety and comfort, and divergence in public security and convenience. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the varying needs of different groups and how these needs align or diverge from objective walkability to enhance walkability and maximize its benefits.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Pedestrian areas—Philippines; Urban transportation—Philippines

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Embargo Period

11-2025

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