Pedestrian walkways play a crucial role in connecting communities, ensuring safe and accessible mobility for both pedestrians and cyclists. Walking and cycling have emerged as paramount sustainable means of transportation, offering significant health and environmental benefits, including reduced noise and air pollution, and social benefits [1, 2]. Various factors, such as convenience, safety, accessibility, service cost, flexibility, and pedestrian walkway quality, shape individuals' inclination to walk [2, 3]. However, amidst the ongoing global push for sustainability, addressing transportation's current contribution of 14% to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating climate change is imperative [4, 5]. Hence, there is an emerging need to promote nonmotorized transportation methods [4].

Approximately 26% of all road traffic fatalities involve pedestrians and cyclists, who are considered vulnerable road users [3]. This percentage is even more alarming in Africa, where more than 40% of such deaths occur [6, 7]. When examining specific African cities, walking constitutes 70% of the trips in both Addis Ababa and Kinshasa, 63% in Harare, Zimbabwe, 62% in Ugandan cities, 61% in Cape Town (particularly among the lower-income population), and 53.2% in the Ogun State, Nigeria [8, 9]. Overall, walking and cycling account for 50% of transportation journeys across the continent [9]. In the South African context, walking is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. Approximately 62% to 80% of children walk to school every day [4, 10-12].

The dominant reason for the elevated walking rates in Africa is low income, coupled with the necessity of accessing public transportation rather than purely sustainability-driven motives. Despite the significant percentage of pedestrians in South Africa, the infrastructure supporting them remains subpar [13-16], especially in peri-urban and rural locales. Pietermaritzburg, the focus of this study, is one such city where the quality and availability of pedestrian walkways are pivotal to its liveability and sustainability. Recently, the city has experienced rapid growth, resulting in an increased demand for pedestrian connections between its peri-urban and urban sectors [17]. This research endeavoured to meticulously analyse the status of pedestrian walkways in Pietermaritzburg, assessing pedestrian availability, accessibility, and quality. Moreover, it aimed to pinpoint challenges related to pedestrian mobility within a city and propose viable solutions.

Located in the UMgungundlovu district of the KwaZulu-Natal Province, Pietermaritzburg lies approximately 80 kilometres inland from Durban, a major coastal city [18, 19]. As the second-largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, it nestles within a valley surrounded by hills, sitting at an elevation of approximately 600 metres above the sea level. The city strategically positions itself on the N3 national highway, a vital artery connecting Durban to Johannesburg. Furthermore, Oribi Airport serves Pietermaritzburg, facilitating domestic flights to various South African cities [18] (Fig. 1).

Fig. (1). Location of the study area (source: author compilation).

Given its geographical placement, Pietermaritzburg stands as a pivotal transportation nucleus and an economic powerhouse in the region, bridging the coast with South Africa's inland territories. Its proximity to natural wonders, such as the Midlands Meander and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, enhances its appeal, drawing tourists and outdoor aficionados alike.

Studies have consistently indicated a positive correlation between the likelihood of choosing walking as a mode of transportation and the quality of pedestrian walkways [20-25]. Albers et al. [20] and Ewing et al. [21] highlighted the importance of various design elements, including sidewalk width, lighting, landscaping, and accessibility, in promoting walking. Saelens et al. [22] asserted that visually appealing and well-maintained sidewalks attract more pedestrian traffic, creating an environment conducive to physical activity. Additionally, a sense of safety significantly influences the decision to walk. Lizárraga et al. [23] reported that individuals, particularly students, are more inclined to walk if they perceive walkways as safe and secure. Traffic calming measures, night vision lighting, pedestrian crossings, and well-defined pathways contribute to a heightened sense of safety, impacting walking choices positively [20, 24, 25].

Furthermore, Ferreira et al. [26] emphasized that the availability of well-maintained sidewalks, aesthetically pleasing landscapes, and safe crossings significantly influence pedestrians' willingness to walk. Bonaccorsi et al. [27] reported that neighbourhoods with well-connected and accessible walkways experience greater rates of walking, contributing to improved physical health. Hassen and Kaufman [28], along with van den Berg et al. [29], underscored the role of pedestrian infrastructure in promoting social interactions and community engagement. This may foster a sense of safety and belonging, motivating individuals to choose walking as a mode of transport. Additionally, pedestrian infrastructures facilitate unexpected encounters with strangers, and repeated interactions over time can promote open-mindedness, tolerance, and acceptance of cultural diversity [30]. In contrast, inadequate pedestrian facilities may act as deterrents, limiting the appeal of walking and leading to a sedentary lifestyle [31, 32].

Overall, the decision to walk is not solely determined by one specific attribute of the walkway. The risk varies across study locations and is influenced by factors, such as lifestyle, travel distance, environmental conditions, and the state of the public transportation system. However, expanding pedestrian facilities reduces the perceived distance from fellow city dwellers, enhances subjective feelings of proximity, and promotes a stronger sense of community and well-being [33].

To fulfill the study's objectives, this study adopted a comprehensive mixed-methods approach, seamlessly integrating both qualitative and quantitative research techniques (Fig. 2). For the qualitative component, an exhaustive site survey was conducted, meticulously assessing pedestrian walkways spanning from selected peri-urban to urban areas. On the quantitative front, structured surveys were distributed to pedestrians actively utilizing the designated routes, capturing valuable data regarding their experiences and patterns of usage.

In this study, a quantitative research methodology was employed. Questionnaires were designed based on a predetermined sample size, considering a specified margin of error, to accurately represent the population of pedestrians traversing the chosen route. This method ensured a confidence interval that bolstered the reliability of this study's assessments [34].

Two hundred paper-based questionnaires were distributed to pedestrians navigating the peri-urban space to the urban pathway in the study area. Out of these, 192 were returned within 14 days. The questionnaire was structured to align with the research objectives as follows:

1. The first section solicited sociodemographic details, including age, gender, educational background, occupation, and monthly income.

2. The second section focused on walk trip attributes, such as the purpose of the trip, distance covered, and travel frequency.

3. In the third section, participants were asked to rate their satisfaction with the current state of the pedestrian walkway. Ratings were recorded on a 5-point Likert scale: 1 (highly dissatisfied), 2 (dissatisfied), 3 (neutral), 4 (satisfied), and 5 (highly satisfied).

Notably, the study's design, involving the distribution of nonintrusive paper-based questionnaires to participants in a public setting, was crafted with a commitment to minimizing risk. In alignment with the principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration, ethical considerations took precedence, emphasizing voluntary participation, robust privacy protection, and the provision of an option for withdrawal. These principles, coupled with the careful avoidance of sensitive data collection, collectively support and align with the ethical standards advocated by the Helsinki Declaration, and justify exemption from formal ethical clearance [35].

The data collected were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) package, and the results were analysed using MS Excel. Further analysis was performed through the Relative Importance Index (RII) [36, 37] and the chi-square test to establish the importance level and relationship between variables, respectively. The RII has significant value for this study, as its outcome signifies the ranked degree of relevance of a particular aspect. It proves especially useful for surveys utilizing a Likert scale [37]. As illustrated in Eq. (1), the RII formula was integrated into Microsoft Excel, which enabled us to calculate the index for distinct sets of responses or items.

 (1)

where w= weighting given to each factor by respondents (ranging from 1 to 5);

n₅-n₁ = number of respondents for very safe to very unsafe;

A = the highest weight (i.e., 5 in this study); and

N = total number of respondents.

The RII ranges from 0 to 1, with 0 not inclusive. The higher the RII is, the more important the walkway attributes are, and vice versa. To compare the RII with the relevant relevance level, Chen et al. [38] presented a transformation matrix (Table 1).

Fig. (2). Research methodology flow chart (source: author compilation).

Furthermore, the chi-square test was used to assess the hypotheses related to respondent demographics and the states of the pedestrian walkway-related questions. As a result, the null and alternative hypotheses for testing were as follows:

H_o: ” Pedestrians’ characteristics and perceptions of pedestrian walkway conditions are independent of each other.”

H_i: “The null hypothesis is not true.”

The expected cell frequencies were compared with the observed cell frequencies using the chi-square test, as estimated using Eq. (2) below.

 (1)

Where, X² = chi-square;

O_ij = observed frequency of the cell in the ith row and jth column; and

E_ij = expected frequency of the cell in the ith row and jth column

The calculated chi-square results were compared with the critical chi-square value with (r-1) × (c-1) degrees of freedom to determine the acceptance or rejection of the null hypothesis [39].

The study commenced with a meticulous examination of pedestrian traffic along a designated route, as illustrated in Fig. (3). The initial focus was to quantify pedestrian movement through a comprehensive traffic count. The analysis brought to light a significant discrepancy in traffic volumes between weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, there was a substantial increase in pedestrian activity, contrasting with a notable decline during weekends. Further dissection of the data exposed distinct surges during the early morning hours (6:00 to 8:00) and late afternoons (16:00 to 18:00), indicative of peak periods. During these peak times, an estimated average of 130 pedestrians were observed along the route, while off-peak hours saw a drastic reduction to only 30 pedestrians.

Fig. (3). (A and B). State of pedestrian facilities (source: author compilation).

With a comprehensive understanding of pedestrian movement, the study then undertook an on-site observational visit to assess the current state of pedestrian facilities. Precise measurements of the pedestrian walkways were meticulously recorded and subsequently benchmarked against the standards recommended by the South African Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Guidelines, a set of directives outlined by the Department of Transport. The findings, along with the physical condition of the walkways, were generated using ArcGIS, as illustrated in Fig. (3A).

An alarming revelation emerged during this assessment, pointing to the absence of critical infrastructure elements, such as manhole covers and drainage grates (Fig. 3B3), and a reduction in the lane width of the walkway (Fig. 3B1). Additionally, a missing link in the pedestrian walkway was observed (Fig. 3B2), hence leaving the pedestrians with no choice but to cross to the other side of the road with no pedestrian facilities provided. This conspicuous absence poses a tangible hazard, significantly elevating the potential for accidents involving pedestrians. The current conditions of the pedestrian walkways, as exposed by the analysis, underscore the urgent need for substantial maintenance and improvements.

Notably, the study discerned a misalignment between the existing conditions and the standards outlined in the South African Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Guidelines. This inadequacy in conformity heightens the risk of accidents, placing pedestrians in precarious situations where the likelihood of traffic incidents or near misses becomes more pronounced. A particularly disconcerting finding is that, for approximately 50% of the route, pedestrians are compelled to walk on the road pavement. This direct usage of the road significantly amplifies the chances of interactions and potential collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, particularly during peak rush hours.

In essence, the comprehensive analysis of pedestrian traffic and facilities along the specified route underscores the urgency of addressing the existing deficiencies. The discordance between observed conditions and established guidelines highlights a critical need for infrastructure enhancement and adherence to established standards. Immediate attention is warranted to mitigate the heightened risks faced by pedestrians, especially during peak periods, and to create safer environments conducive to sustainable urban mobility.

A total of 192 respondents participated in the survey (Table 2). A significant majority (81.7%) were male. The age distribution revealed that only 9.9% of the participants were older than 45 years, whereas the oldest age bracket was in the 25–34 years, encompassing 34.2% of the respondents. Regarding employment status, 40.9% of the participants identified as unemployed, 46.7% were employed either full- or part-time, 4.7% were students, and 6.2% considered themselves self-employed. The demographics of the respondents influenced their preferred mode of transportation.

Furthermore, there has been found a discernible link between educational background and economic standing, with both of these aspects playing pivotal roles in determining a road user's transportation choice. Table 3 elucidates the relationship between respondents' monthly household earnings and their educational qualifications. A mere 3.1% of participants had not completed their high school education, while almost half, 48.7%, had achieved at least one matriculation qualification. Financially, 36.8% of the surveyed households reported no monthly income, whereas 9.9% claimed to earn at least R5000 monthly.

To understand the modal split, respondents were questioned about their travel purpose and frequency. The results, illustrated in Fig. (4), indicate that the predominant reason for travel was work or school, accounting for approximately 55% of the respondents. An additional 30% travelled for miscellaneous reasons, including job hunting, shopping, accessing public services, and recreational activities. Notably, 10% of those using the route for exercise or leisure associated their choice with the Comrades marathon.

The primary mode of commuting, walking, can be attributed to several factors. These include the cost-effectiveness of walking since it is largely free, proximity to destinations, reaching the destination often faster by walking than public transport, and the absence of alternative means of transportation. While the principle of sustainability and environmental awareness drives the adoption of Nonmotorized Travel (NMT) in specific areas, particularly in developed cities with supportive NMT infrastructure, it is scarcely the motivating factor in underprivileged areas. In the context of the study area, the decision to walk is driven more by necessity and lack of alternatives than by environmental consciousness. In some instances, pedestrians simply cannot afford public transportation.

Further analysis revealed that 59.4% of the participants used the route daily. In contrast, 22.9% and 7.8% of the videos were traversed weekly and monthly, respectively. These data underscore the route's importance, with 52.1% of respondents indicating a high level of familiarity and comprehensive knowledge. Conversely, 10.9% of the surveyed individuals had been acquainted with the route for less than six months.

To prioritize the concerns regarding the current state of the pedestrian walkway, a Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis was employed. This approach illuminated the most pertinent features in predicting the target variable. Based on the results, pavement irregularities, such as broken or uneven paving, emerged as the primary concern, with an RII value of 0.635 (high-medium importance) (Fig. 5). This was subsequently trailed by concerns about the safety and maintenance of the walkway (RII = 0.505, medium importance).

Fig. (4). Walking mode choice characteristics of respondents (source: author compilation).

Fig. (5). Relative importance index of walkway attributes (source: author compilation).

Furthermore, the cleanliness (RII = 0.434) and maintenance (RII = 0.464) of the route also garnered significant attention from the respondents. In the ranking spectrum, accessibility appeared second to last, while facilities specific to pedestrians were the least concerning issue. However, it is essential to note that these viewpoints could vary depending on the stakeholder's perspective. From the pedestrians’ viewpoint, the comfort and walkability of pathways tend to take precedence.

To evaluate the interplay between respondents’ demographic characteristics and their perceptions of the condition of the pedestrian walkway, a cross-classification analysis was performed (Table 3). The decision rule for Table 4 is delineated as follows: “If χ2_tab > χ2_cal, accept Ho; otherwise, reject.” At a 5% level of significance, the chi-square critical values were 31.410, 9.488, 26.296, and 21.026 for degrees of freedom (df) of 20, 4, 16, and 12, respectively.

The observed chi-square values for the respondents' perceptions of the state of the pedestrian walkway exceeded the critical values when comparing age and employment status against infrastructure and level of education against cleanliness and facilities. This indicates these variables as significantly related.

Consequently, factors, such as respondent age and employment status, may play a role in shaping perceptions of pedestrian walkway conditions. Specifically, age and employment status have emerged as potential determinants influencing the perceived acceptable standard level of infrastructure service. However, gender did not appear to sway the respondents' perceptions of the walkway's condition. Furthermore, a respondent's level of education appeared to affect their views on cleanliness and the amenities present on the route.

When examining the condition of pedestrian walkways, the chi-square analysis revealed the elements, such as safety, accessibility, and cleanliness, to be related to the respondents’ monthly household income. Furthermore, the degree of familiarity with the route significantly influenced the respondents' perceptions of the pedestrian walkway's condition.

The majority of respondents, totaling 96%, expressed that the pedestrian walkway was devoid of essential amenities, including benches and water fountains. The South African Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Guidelines, formulated by the Department of Transport, enumerate the hallmarks of exemplary walkways, categorizing them under various attributes: security, safety, traffic safety, accessibility, convenience, comfort, environment, and economy. Regrettably, an examination of the findings revealed that the walkway under study fell short across all these parameters.