Pedestrian friendliness
Under walkability means the quality of a location for getting around on foot . In a broader sense, it describes whether or how well it is possible there to cover everyday journeys (work, shopping, leisure, etc.) on foot.
Historical development
Before other modes of transport became more widespread in the 19th century, almost all journeys were made on foot. Nevertheless, the cities were not necessarily pedestrian-friendly in the current sense, especially because paths were often not paved or rubbish and sewage were disposed of on the streets, so that walking was uncomfortable. The urbanization of the 19th and early 20th centuries brought about an improvement in pedestrian-friendliness in Europe by paving roads and paths, installing sewers for sewage transport and separating traffic into sidewalks and lanes for different modes of transport. On the other hand, some cities became so large that they could no longer cover all distances on foot. The automobileization and the associated suburbanization of the 20th century brought a big cut in the pedestrian friendliness, as they led to a spatial separation of different life functions. The place of residence was separated from the place of work, shopping and leisure activities were also shifted away from the place of residence, so that in some places it was impossible to cover everyday routes on foot. As a result, the share of foot traffic in the modal split decreased, especially in the second half of the 20th century. The criticism of the car-friendly city propagated at the time led to a rethinking of the planning culture towards the end of the 20th century, which since then has again aimed more at pedestrian-friendliness. This was made clear by the creation of numerous pedestrian zones and other traffic calming measures as well as the concept of the city of short distances .
Regional differences
While the European city basically their morphology is more focused on walkability, walkability is (Engl. Walkability ) in the United States , Canada and Australia more difficult to implement, since the local towns are significantly spacious arose and in accordance with the motorization. That is why measures to make it more pedestrian-friendly are a major thematic challenge in urban planning and a key requirement of the supporters of New Urbanism and New Pedestrianism .
urban planning
On the whole, it is difficult to make a city that is once relatively pedestrian-hostile (such as Los Angeles ) more attractive for pedestrians, as it is cumbersome to subsequently compress the building structures, mix different spatial functions and thereby shorten the distances. On a small scale, however, a selective improvement can often be brought about through individual structural measures. Pedestrians are the most detouring road users; A logical and short route is important for them, for example by using traffic lights and pedestrian crossings in the right place instead of detoured and non- barrier-free overpasses or underpasses. Short distances between crossings of spatial barriers such as railway lines, main roads or rivers are also necessary in order to increase pedestrian-friendliness in the area and to avoid accidents caused by unintended crossings. Pedestrians always choose the shortest route; Footpaths through green spaces or tracks in the snow make these lines of desire visible. They can give planners advice on how to make a location more pedestrian.
See also
- Flâneur d'Or , Swiss pedestrian infrastructure price