Harshada Badgujar RESEARCH PAPER PDF, Walkability of Streets

BNCA | (Harshada Badgujar) | Research In Architecture II | (Investigating Pedestrian’s Perception
Towards Walkable Streets Case: Cummins College Road, Karvenagar)
Investigating Pedestrian’s Perception towards Walkable

Streets
Case: Cummins College Road, Karvenagar
Harshada Badgujar, Student
Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, Pune
Research Guide- Prof. Asmita Joshi
Abstract-
The significance of walkable streets in urban planning and design has grown as cities
work towards establishing more pedestrian-friendly environments. This research
investigates the public attitudes towards walkable streets, with a particular focus on
Cummins College Road in Pune, India, as a case study. Pune, a city experiencing rapid
growth, grapples with the challenge of harmonizing the needs of pedestrians with the
demands of vehicular traffic, making Cummins College Road a compelling subject for
examination.
Utilizing an extensive research methodology that includes surveys, interviews, and on-
site observations, this study reveals the intricate nature of public perceptions regarding
walkability. The results uncover a broad spectrum of viewpoints from residents,
commuters, and businesses concerning the walkability of Cummins College Road.
Favourable aspects such as accessibility to amenities, cultural diversity, and the liveliness
of the street coexist with concerns about traffic congestion, insufficient sidewalks, and
safety issues.
Crucial factors that influence public perceptions encompass the quality of pedestrian
infrastructure, traffic management, the aesthetics of the street, the presence of green
spaces, and community engagement. This study elucidates the intricate interaction of
these elements and their role in shaping individuals' experiences as they navigate
Cummins College Road.
Keywords- Street Walkability, Street Congestion, Built Environment, Pedestrian, Cleanliness
and Maintenance.
1. Introduction-
In the heart of Pune, the bustling Cummins College Road unfolds as a microcosm of urban
vibrancy and complexity. This vibrant thoroughfare not only serves as a lifeline for
college-going students but also encapsulates the challenges and opportunities inherent
in creating truly walkable streets within a rapidly growing city.
This research endeavour embarks on an inquiry into Cummins College Road, where the
amalgamation of street vendors and persistent traffic congestion creates a vibrant mosaic
of urban existence. In this dynamic realm, business, education, and transportation
harmonize, rendering it a captivating subject for careful examination and investigation.
1
Area Of Study, Cummins College Road, Karvenagar , Pune
The predominant users of this lively street are college students, whose daily journeys are
intricately intertwined with its character and functionality. As it delve into the intricacies of this
urban landscape, aim to comprehend how these students navigate the challenges posed by the
street's vibrant commercial atmosphere, the lack of essential infrastructure, and accessibility
issues.
Cummins College Road beckons to unravel its complexity and to seek solutions that address the
interplay between dynamic street life, efficient transportation, and walkability. This investigation
serves as a stepping stone to not only understand the issues at hand but also to contribute to the
ongoing conversation on reshaping urban spaces into pedestrian-friendly, accessible, and
harmonious environments, particularly for the college students who traverse this bustling road
each day.
2. Literature Review-
Pedestrian perception of walkable streets is a crucial consideration in urban planning and design.
Walkability profoundly impacts urban life, health, sustainability, and community well-being.
Several key factors influence how pedestrians perceive their environment. Safety is paramount,
as pedestrians' feelings of security significantly affect their willingness to walk. This perception
can be shaped by both real dangers, like traffic hazards, and perceived threats, such as concerns
about crime. Well-maintained infrastructure, including sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, and
crosswalks, is central to favorable perceptions of walkability. Street design, including features
like benches and green spaces, can enhance the overall pedestrian experience and foster
community engagement.
Traffic conditions, such as congestion and vehicle speed, play a pivotal role in pedestrian
perception. High traffic volume and speeding vehicles can lead to a sense of danger and
discomfort. Local factors, such as street vendors and encroachments on pedestrian paths, can
impact the available walkable space and influence perceptions. Additionally, cultural and
socioeconomic factors, like cultural norms and income disparities, affect how individuals perceive
walkability. Government initiatives, focusing on improving pedestrian infrastructure, public
transportation, and community engagement, can positively shape pedestrian perception. (Ewing
R, Handy S, Brownson RC, Clemente OJ, Winston E. Identifying and Measuring Urban Design
Qualities Related to Walkability. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. 2006;3(Suppl 1):S223-
S240)
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3. Scope And Limitation-

This study focuses on a 1-kilometer segment of Cummins College Road, examining
pedestrian conditions. Limitations include a narrow geographic scope, focusing on areas
near institutional buildings, and a two-month timeframe in 2023, potentially missing
seasonal and long-term trends
4. Methodology-
4.1 Data Collection

Direct observation, photography, reconnaissance surveys, random visitor interviews
were some of the techniques used for data collection. Primary data was collected through
semi structured questionnaires. This data was collected from pedestrians of Karvenagar.
Based on questionnaire and interviews conducted on people who were active in the
corridor, the fact indicated that the motives of the people who used the road footpaths
were mostly college students and students living in the neighbourhood .
Process:
4.2 Observation Survey
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5 Analysis and Findings:

The sample of 50 respondents was considered for analysis belonging to different ages, presented
in Pie chart no. 1and 2 respectively.
Demographic Survey: Sample Size 50
Pie Chart no 1: Age Group
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Pie Chart no 2: Sex Ratio
Pie Chart no 3:
How often do you typically walk in your Neighbourhood
(Specifically use Cummins college road).
According to the pie chart above, 78% of the population is between the ages of 18 to 21, which
primarily consists of Karvenagar college students as well as other young migrants who dwell in
the neighbourhood in search of employment are frequent visitors of this area. A majority of
respondents use the street daily, compared to 18% of respondents who use the street on a regular
basis. This results in a majority of people using the street over the week, with only a small number
of people using it just once or rarely.
5.1 Street Physical Characteristics and Accessibility:
In the survey, five measures were used to capture the degree of accessibility that users derived
from the street’s walking experience, broken paving surface, obstacles by utility poles, uneven
level changes, and overall walkability rating. Equally important were user responses to close-
ended questions suggesting that accessibility was important in relation to walking.
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Pie Chart no 4:
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being very poor and 5 being excellent, the overall walkability of Cummins
College Road.
As illustrated in Pie Chart No. 4, a significant majority of respondents, comprising 42%, expressed
a negative perception regarding the walking experience on Cummins College Road. This
sentiment underscores a notable level of dissatisfaction with the current conditions. Walking
conditions are profoundly influenced by various factors, including the quantity and quality of
footpaths, the presence of crosswalks, path connectivity, safety measures, and the overall appeal
of pedestrian facilities. Unfortunately, Cummins College Road falls short in delivering on these
crucial aspects, which ultimately contribute to the prevalent negative response from pedestrians.
Pie Chart no 5:
Factors that influence pedestrians perception of walkability on Cummins College
Pedestrian perception of walkability encompasses a wide array of factors that either motivate or
deter individuals from choosing to walk on the streets. These factors, which include the quality of
pedestrian infrastructure, safety, proximity to destinations, urban design, and traffic conditions,
play a pivotal role in influencing people's decision to embrace walking as a mode of transport.
When urban planners and communities consider and implement improvements in these areas, it
can have a transformative impact on the overall walkability of streets and enhance the pedestrian
experience. Creating streets that prioritize these factors fosters a more inviting and accessible
environment, ultimately promoting healthier, more vibrant communities with a positive
pedestrian culture.
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Are there any barriers or obstacles that discourage you from walking on Cummins College
Road ?
Diagram no. 1
Barriers or obstacles that discourage Pedestrians from walking on Cummins College Road.
As depicted in Diagram No. 1, a substantial majority of the participants, specifically 47 out of 50,
indicated a noteworthy absence of footpaths along Cummins College Road. This absence
compounds the existing issues of heavy traffic congestion and street vendors obstructing the
path, creating significant challenges for pedestrians in this area.
Pie Chart no 6:
Ramps at intersections and pedestrian crossings to accommodate people with disabilities.
A significant 76% of the respondents believe that the street lacks ramps at the intersections of
footpaths, rendering it inaccessible to people with disabilities. Furthermore, there is a consensus
among pedestrians regarding the inadequacy of street crossings, with only 6% of pedestrians
agreeing that there are sufficient crossings. However, 18% of respondents express uncertainty
about the presence of street crossings, indicating potential ambiguity on this matter. These
findings underscore the need for improved accessibility and safety measures, especially for
individuals with disabilities, as well as better pedestrian infrastructure, such as street crossings.
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Pie Chart no 7:
Adequate streetlights to illuminate footpaths at night.
In response to the availability of adequate streetlights to illuminate footpaths at night, 40% of the
people agree that there are no streetlights, while 38% agree that there are indeed streetlights on
the footpath. Interestingly, 22% of the respondents express uncertainty about the presence of
streetlights, indicating a degree of ambiguity or lack of information regarding this aspect of the
street's infrastructure. These findings shed light on the potential need for improved street
lighting and clearer communication regarding pedestrian safety measures.
5.2 Street Congestion:

Cummins College Road, and like many urban areas, it often experiences street congestion. The
congestion on Cummins College Road is primarily caused by a combination of factors, including:
1. High traffic volume: Many people use this road because it connects to important places,
like Cummins College of Engineering and workplaces, leading to heavy traffic.
2. Not Enough Space: The road can't handle all the vehicles, causing traffic to slow down,
especially during busy times.
3. Poor Traffic Control: Sometimes, there are no traffic signals or clear lanes, making traffic
problems worse.
4. Street Vendors: Stalls on the road can reduce lane space and make traffic slower.
5. Intersection Issues: Traffic often gets stuck at intersections where multiple roads meet,
especially when they're not managed well.
To ease the traffic, authorities can improve traffic signals, widen lanes, offer better public
transport, and make it safer for people to walk. Traffic can vary during the day, with the busiest
times during peak hours.
8
Pie Chart no 8:
On a scale of 1 to 5, the overall level of congestion on the walkable streets in your local area, with 1 being
very low congestion and 5 being very high congestion.
The pie chart data clearly shows that most pedestrians perceive the street's congestion as
significantly high. Pedestrian feedback reveals that this congestion is primarily caused by both
traffic and the presence of street vendors. Consequently, this dual influence leads to various
related problems, including challenges for pedestrians in moving through the area, heightened
air pollution from stationary vehicles, hindered accessibility for emergency services, and an
overall less pleasant experience for both pedestrians and drivers.
Diagram no 2
Times of day, when pedestrians typically experience the most congestion.
When asked about the changes observed on street / circulation pattern respondents stated
"There is no parking area, as street vendors have primarily taken over the space," whereas
another respondent said "There is a lot of traffic congestion." Additionally, more respondents
emphasized the issue of traffic as one of the major changes caused.
Diagram number 2 illustrates the periods of the day during which pedestrians commonly
encounter the highest levels of congestion, indicating the highest congestion caused during
evening 5pm to 8pm.
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Diagram no 3
Pedestrians believe are the main causes of congestion.
“Crowded pathways”, “traffic and more litter around” , “illegal expansions on street, visual
disharmony”, “less area for pedestrians to move around generating more probability of
accidents”, “crowd around the vendor’s stall generates obstruction in pedestrian flow”, “even the
slight increase in crowd leads to traffic congestion”, “disturbance in pedestrian flow results in
people walking on roadside ways , which causes narrow roads for vehicles” This were some of
the responses given by the pedestrians/ locals around the street.
5.3 Street Maintenance and Cleanliness:
On maintenance and cleanliness of the street, 42% of the respondent confirmed that the area
under study is well maintained and clean. On the contrary, the conditions of some pedestrian
walkways are uneven, broken, and inadequate from support facilities and accessibility for
persons with disabilities, which have a negative impact on Cummins College Road walkability.
Maintenance and Cleanliness
Pie Chart no 9
The overall cleanliness of the Cummins College Road, with 1 being very dirty and 5 being very clean.
When asked to rate the overall cleanliness of Cummins College Road on a scale of 1 (very dirty)
to 5 (very clean), the majority of respondents indicated that the street is not clean, while only a
few consider it to be of average cleanliness. This suggests that there is a prevalent perception of
cleanliness issues along the road, indicating a potential area for improvement.
10
Pie Chart no 10
litter and trash on Cummins College Road.
Regarding the presence of litter and trash on Cummins College Road, the majority of respondents
indicated that they often observe litter and trash on the street. Some respondents reported seeing
it very often, while others mentioned occasional sightings. A few respondents stated that they
rarely come across litter and trash in this area. These responses highlight the frequent occurrence
of litter issues on the road, suggesting a need for better maintenance and waste management.
Diagram no 4
Pedestrians rating on Cummins College Road cleanliness.
The predominant observation was the significant presence of litter and trash, with a majority of
respondents highlighting this issue. Following closely, the second most frequently mentioned
concern was the presence of discarded food containers, which raised questions about proper
disposal and street maintenance. Additionally, some pedestrians expressed unease about
sidewalk cleanliness, emphasizing the importance of well-maintained pedestrian pathways.
These observations collectively point to various cleanliness-related challenges along Cummins
College Road, underscoring the need for improved litter control, waste management, and the
maintenance of public spaces. Addressing these concerns could significantly enhance the overall
pedestrian experience and the street's cleanliness.
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6 Conclusion:
The walkability of Cummins College Road in Pune, is a topic of mixed perceptions among
pedestrians. While some find it convenient, many others face safety concerns, challenges related
to infrastructure, and traffic conditions that hinder their walking experiences. To promote a
pedestrian-friendly environment, it is crucial to invest in infrastructure improvements, enhance
road safety measures, and raise community awareness about the importance of walkability. By
addressing these issues, Cummins College Road can become a safer and more accessible route for
pedestrians.
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7 References:
[1] Robbins, S. E. (2000). Bergson, Perception and Gibson. Journal of Consciousness Studies,
7, 23-45.
[2] Saeed, M. H., & Furlan, R. (2017). Strategies for the Enhancement of Users’ Interactions in
Al Mirqab Al Jadeed Street in Doha, State of Qatar. Architecture Research, 7, 69-83.
[3] Shaaban, K. (2019). Assessing Sidewalks and Corridor Walkability in Developing
Countries. Sustainability, 11, 3865.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su11143865
[4] Shapley, R., Caelli, T., Grossberg, S., Morgan, M., & Rentschler, I. (1990). Computational
Theories of Visual Perception. In L. Spillmann, & J. S. Werner (Eds.), Visual Perception: The
Neurophysiological Foundations (pp. 417-448). Amsterdam: Elsevier.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-657675-7.50021-1
[5] Sisiopiku, V. P., & Akin, D. (2003). Pedestrian Behaviors at and Perceptions towards
Various Pedestrian Facilities: An Examination Based on Observation and Survey Data.
Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 6, 249-274.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2003.06.001
[6] Thornton, M. A., & Mitchell, J. P. (2018). Theories of Person Perception Predict Patterns of
Neural Activity during Mentalizing. Cerebral Cortex, 28, 3505-3520.
https://doi.org/10.1093/cercor/bhx216
[7] Tibbalds, F. (2012). Making People-Friendly Towns: Improving the Public Environment
in Towns and Cities. Abingdon-on-Thames: Taylor & Francis.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203469521
[8] Wang, W., Li, P., Wang, W., & Namgung, M. (2012). Exploring Determinants of Pedestrians’
Satisfaction with Sidewalk Environments: Case Study in Korea. Journal of Urban Planning and
Development, 138, 166-172.
https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)UP.1943-5444.0000105
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BNCA | (Harshada Badgujar) | Research In Architecture II | (Investigating Pedestrian’s Perception

Towards Walkable Streets Case: Cummins College Road, Karvenagar)

Investigating Pedestrian’s Perception towards Walkable

Area Of Study, Cummins College Road, Karvenagar , Pune

3. Scope And Limitation-

4.1 Data Collection

4.2 Observation Survey

5 Analysis and Findings:

Pie Chart no 1: Age Group

Pie Chart no 2: Sex Ratio

5.2 Street Congestion:

Maintenance and Cleanliness

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