Walking accessibility for individuals with reduced mobility: A Brazilian case study

• Published in: Case studies on transport policy Vol. 7; no. 2; pp. 269 - 279
• Main Authors: Lima, Josiane Palma, Machado, Mariza Helena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2019
• Subjects: Accessibility; Analytical hierarchy process; Commented paths method; Pedestrian; Reduced mobility; Walking; Pedestrian; Walking; Analytical hierarchy process; Commented paths method; Accessibility; Reduced mobility
• ISSN: 2213-624X; 2213-6258
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cstp.2019.02.007

•A quantitative and qualitative approach to assessing pedestrian accessibility related to people with reduced mobility in a case study in a Brazilian city.•Two evaluation methods: Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for a quantitative index of the walking accessibility and Commented Paths Method for a qualitative analysis of the practical subjective experience.•The paper consider the subjectivity of walking, perceptions, judgments and emotions in relation to the environment.•One method complemented the other by providing greater potential for interpretation of the phenomenon, especially by adding individual perceptions.
The objective of this work is to evaluate the accessibility in public spaces from the perspective of the person with reduced mobility. Two methods of evaluation were used: the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), to consider the multiple criteria that define a quantitative index of the pedestrian accessibility; and the Commented Paths Method (Méthode des Parcours Commentés) for a qualitative analysis of the practical subjective experience. In order to apply the methods and compare the results, a case study was carried out in the city of Itajubá, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results of the application of the methods when compared to the on-site observation, demonstrated coherence with the actual situation. One method complemented the other by providing greater potential for interpretation of the phenomenon, especially by adding individual perceptions, increasing the study’s validity. The research provides support for more inclusive public policies, including accessibility with a view for sustainable development and a special focus on social sustainability.