Research Article
Smart Pedestrian Network: An Integrated Conceptual Model for Improving Walkability
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.1007/978-3-030-45293-3_10, author={Fernando Fonseca and Paulo Ribeiro and Mona Jabbari and Elena Petrova and George Papageorgiou and Elisa Conticelli and Simona Tondelli and Rui Ramos}, title={Smart Pedestrian Network: An Integrated Conceptual Model for Improving Walkability}, proceedings={Society with Future: Smart and Liveable Cities. First EAI International Conference, SC4Life 2019, Braga, Portugal, December 4-6, 2019, Proceedings}, proceedings_a={SC4LIFE}, year={2020}, month={6}, keywords={Smart Pedestrian Network Walkability Urban planning Smartphone app Walking benefits}, doi={10.1007/978-3-030-45293-3_10} }- Fernando Fonseca
Paulo Ribeiro
Mona Jabbari
Elena Petrova
George Papageorgiou
Elisa Conticelli
Simona Tondelli
Rui Ramos
Year: 2020
Smart Pedestrian Network: An Integrated Conceptual Model for Improving Walkability
SC4LIFE
Springer
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45293-3_10
Abstract
Smart and sustainable mobility have recently emerged as a solution to the problems incurred by the intensive use of motorised transport modes. For many decades, cities have been planned based on the needs of vehicle traffic, neglecting basic human needs for active mobility and the adverse effects of motorised traffic on the natural environment. However, walking is an environmentally friendly transport mode and a healthy form of making physical activity. Thus, walking becomes an essential component of the transport and urban policies for achieving a more sustainable development process. This paper presents the research project Smart Pedestrian Network (SPN) that aims at promoting walkability as one of the critical dimensions of smart and sustainable mobility in cities. The paper analyses the various components linked to SPN that can make a pedestrian network “smart” and, therefore, a feasible alternative to motorised transport modes. Three integrated components are analysed: (i) an urban planning component supported in a GIS-based multi-criteria model to assess the conditions provided to pedestrians and to support the adoption of planning policies; (ii) a smartphone app for pedestrian navigation, displaying optional routes according to the pedestrian preferences and needs; and (iii) a business component to estimate and disseminate the multiple benefits of walking as well as the market potential of SPN. By promoting an innovative linkage of these three components, SPN has a great potential for improving walkability and, therefore, for creating more sustainable and liveable urban spaces.