Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Associate Professor, Department of Civil - Transportation Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU). Postal Code: 34148 - 96818, Qazvin, Iran.
2
Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU), Qazvin, 34149, Iran.
3
Department of Civil– Transportation Planning Imam Khomeini International University (IKIU), Qazvin, 34149, Iran
Abstract
Walking is a sustainable transportation method that can alleviate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution. However, various barriers still hinder walking, especially during business trips. This study investigates the factors contributing to the reluctance to walk among citizens in Qazvin city, focusing on five specific barriers: laziness or the desire to wake up late, physical disorders, lack of interest in walking, concerns about maintaining a neat appearance at work, and reluctance to be seen on the street. Using ordered logit models, these barriers were analyzed across three categories: socio-economic, travel, and environmental characteristics. The analysis, based on 60 questionnaires, revealed that socio-economic characteristics had the highest number of significant variables, with six being particularly influential. Notably, the walkability index negatively correlated with laziness or the desire to wake up late, lack of interest in walking, and concerns about appearance, while the total time spent had a positive correlation with physical disorders, lack of interest, neat appearance, and reluctance to be seen on the street. The findings suggest that lower walkability in residential areas increases concerns about appearance due to factors like sweating, which discourages walking. Improving infrastructure and reducing travel time could enhance walkability and encourage more walking. Urban planners should consider these factors when designing city layouts to ensure that workplaces and amenities are accessible by foot, thereby promoting walking as a viable mode of transportation.
Keywords
)
Send comment about this article