RESEARCH ARTICLE


Evaluating the Current State of Pedestrian Facilities in Peri-Urban and Urban Areas: A Case Study of Pietermaritzburg City



Wealthy Tsembile Maseko1, Jacob Adedayo Adedeji1, *, Ndakhona Bashingi2, James Honiball3
1 Sustainable Environment and Transportation Research Group (SET-RG), Department of Civil Engineering Midlands, Durban University of Technology, South Africa
2 Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa
3 Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa


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Creative Commons License
© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Bentham Open.

open-access license:

Correspondence: Address correspondence to this author at the Sustainable Environment and Transportation Research Group (SET-RG), Department of Civil Engineering Midlands, Durban University of Technology, South Africa; E-mail: jacoba@dut.ac.za


Abstract

Background

Pedestrian infrastructure is pivotal for advancing the movement of nonmotorized road users and plays a transformative role in transitioning toward sustainable transportation, especially in rural territories influenced by urban dynamics and interconnected by daily commuter flows. Both walking and cycling stand out as paramount sustainable transport means, offering substantial health and environmental benefits, including reduced noise and air pollution. Multiple factors, such as convenience, safety, accessibility, service cost, flexibility, and the quality of pedestrian pathways, shape individuals' propensity to walk. Notably, in peri-urban contexts, the cost of service becomes a significant determinant, as a notable proportion of the population earns minimal wages or faces unemployment.

Objective

This study sought to examine the current state of pedestrian walkways within Pietermaritzburg and surrounding areas, through which the accessibility, availability, and quality of these facilities were assessed. The study has suggested possible solutions to address the challenges faced by pedestrians.

Methods

By conducting semi-structured interviews and leveraging ArcGIS mapping utilities, this research has delineated the existing scenario and offered an initial redesign tailored to pedestrian requirements.

Results

The data have starkly revealed pervasive inadequacies in the existing pedestrian infrastructure. The functionality and safety of current amenities have been manifestly undermined by these shortcomings. The continuing use of these dilapidated facilities may pose alarming threats not only to pedestrians, but also to other road users.

Keywords: Walking, Pedestrian infrastructure, Accessibility, Mapping tools, Social exclusion, Traffic engineering, Transportation.