Speaker
Description
This pioneering study addresses the crucial yet underexplored aspect of walkability in hill cities, providing the first comparative analysis between developed and developing countries. Our research seeks to (1) identify and assess factors affecting walkability in hill areas of India and Germany, (2) determine comfortable walking distances across varied terrains, and (3) provide tailored infrastructure solutions to enhance urban mobility.
We employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating comprehensive questionnaire surveys (n=414) with innovative physiological assessments. Surveys conducted with 259 participants in Mussoorie, India, and 155 in Wernigerode, Germany, assessed ten factors influencing walkability. Physiological data, comprising VO2 and HR values, were obtained from six participants in Mussoorie using metabolic analysers and the Borg CR-10 scale, validating acceptable walking distances and exertion levels.
Results indicate significant variations in comfortable walking distances (525m±20m in Mussoorie compared to 600m±20m in Wernigerode) and infrastructural preferences. The steepness of the slope significantly affected walking distances, decreasing them by as much as 13.6% on steeper terrains in India. Seven of the 10 assessed factors influenced walking experiences in both countries. Infrastructure needs differed significantly: 78% of Indian participants prioritised sidewalks, whereas 72.1% of German respondents highlighted the importance of streetlights. Safety concerns were significantly higher in Mussoorie (93%) compared to Wernigerode (58.5%).
These findings offer essential insights for urban planners and policymakers, facilitating the development of context-sensitive, sustainable mobility solutions for hill cities worldwide. Our research highlights the necessity for slope-specific pathways, culturally relevant amenities, and tailored infrastructure solutions to improve walkability and foster sustainable urban development in hill cities globally.
| Keywords | Urban walkability; Hill cities; Cross-cultural Mobility; Physiological Assessment; Infrastructure |
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| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
