Pedestrianization: Walking for Cleaner Air

from CAI-ASIA, Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities

Asian cities have traditionally been cities of walkers and many rely on walking, cycling and public transport for daily travel.  Walking relies on our own kinetic energy, rather than fossil fuels to which vehicles are dependent upon.  However, vehicles now dominate cityscapes.  Roads, fly-overs, and bridges are continuously being put up to accomodate the ever-increasing number of land transport.  This rapid motorization in urban areas has lead to air pollution and road risks.  For pedestrians who are most vulnerable, is there enough attention towards non-motorized transport?

To determine whether pedestrians' needs are adequately satisfied, WALKABILITY Surveys have been conducted by the Clean Air Initiatives for Asian Cities with support from the Asian Development Bank.  "Walkability" is a term used to describe and measure the desirability, connectivity and quality of walkways.  It has been included as air quality management benchmarking tool developed by CAI-Asia based on the Global Walkability Index developed by H. Krambeck for the World Bank. 

The "Walkability Survey" involved a scoring system that rated the following parameters:

1. availability of walking paths,
2. walking path modal conflicts,
3. availability of crossings,
4. grade crossing safety,
5. motorists behavior,
6. amenities,
7. disability infrastructure,
8. obstructions,
9. security from crime

Based on the Walkability Surveys in 13 Asian cities, the walking environment varies significantly depending upon the location.  Generally, commercial areas provide better walkability, whereas locations near the public transport terminals provide the worst infrastructure.

Walkability in Davao, Philippines
In Davao, Philippines, based on 287 pedestrians interviewed, the most preferred method to cross the road is through overhead crossing (53%) and most preferred improvement is "wide, leveled and clean sidewalks."  On exposure to air pollution, 45% said they are most vulnerable when they are riding a tricycle, 28% when they are walking, and 22% when they are riding a car or a taxi.  If no improvements are made in the quality of sidewalks, 83% said they will shift from walking to other modes of transport.

Conclusion

• Most Asian cities have insufficient policies that prioritized pedestrians and current guidelines for pedestrian facilities are not comprehensive enough to address pedestrian's needs
• Insufficient resources are allocated for pedestrian facilities
• Asian cities have high pedestrian mode shares but declining due to inadequate pedestrian facilities, high number of pedestrian accidents and exposure to air pollution

Pedestrianization is an oft-ignored component in the urban transport system and these walkability studies are ways where CAI-ASIA can hopefully contribute to policy improvement favorable for pedestrians and create a paradigm shift that promotes non-motorized transportation, thus reducing carbon footprint, one city at a time.

Meanwhile, the CAI-ASIA announced a conference on Better Air Quality (BAQ) to be held in Singapore this coming 9-11 November, 2010 with theme, "Air quality in a Changing Climate."  Among the topics are the following:

1. Sustainable Cities and Urban Development
2. Air Quality Monitoring and Impacts
3. Air Quality Management and Climate Change Mitigation
4. Transport systems and modes
5. Clean Fuels and Vehicles
6. Industry and Other Sources (of air pollution)

For more information, send an email to ritchie.rono@cai-asia.org

READ:  World leaders leaving behind big, fat carbon footprints by Associated Press