WALKABILITY IN SMALL TOWNS: COLLATING OBJECTIVE VARIABLES AND IN SITU OBSERVATIONS

Abstract

Active commuting has been emerging as an alternative to minimize problems caused by the increased use of motor vehicles and, as consequence, provide better quality of life for the population. In this sense, small urban centers benefit from shorter distances for walking daily commuting. To verify this phenomenon, the city of Pitanga-PR, Brazil, was defined as a case study. From an exploratory literature review with a sistematic search, 32 objective micro-scale variables were identified for measuring walkability. They were grouped into 5 relational themes: 1. Convenience, 2. Comfort, 3. Maintenance, 4. Personal Safety and 5. Traffic Safety. In order to compare objective variables and in-situ observations, it was necessary to define a specific area for analysis. Based on data from the city's Mobility Plan, Census Sector 19 was selected for presenting the largest number of respondents who reported walking trips. This research identified ten variables associated with a greater volume of walking trips. The results subsidize the urban environment debate as a support for walking and can indicate public policies to make small urban centers more sustainable and promote more active lives for residents.

Keywords: Microscale, Active travel, Small cities