11/8/12

Dhaka Walkability Initiative

Debra Efroymson, Regional Director
HealthBridge

Why study walkability?!

Public transit not feasible without pedestrians" Walking is essential transport for the poor" Walking conditions in Asian cities often dismal" Transport planners may not realize actual barriers to walking"

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BRT Walkability Strategy, Dhaka!

Linked to planned ADB BRT line" Comprehensive research"
Observation of 1,055 road segments" Survey of 1,850 pedestrians" Two FGDs (housewives, garment workers)" Policy scan" Meetings: over 150 policymakers, other stakeholders"

Pilot project design"

Note on research methods!

Walking is about far more than sidewalks"
Land use diversity: availability of des7na7ons Footpath availability and quality Safety (street crossings and other) Facili7es for the disabled & pedestrian ameni7es Community life (including hawkers)"

Good tools vital, need comprehensive research" Pretesting, adaptation" Support of pedestrian advocates/pedestrians"

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Key ndings!
Pedestrians virtually ignored in transport policy" Many misconceptions in policy documents"
Only the poor walk" Hawkers are main obstacle to walking"

Pedestrians treated as 3rd class citizens" Importance of pedestrians ignored"

Key recommendations of study!

Create NMT cell" Study pedestrian impacts of transport projects" Train government staff on pedestrian issues"

Develop a Transporta7on Equity Analysis Develop scal policies (road pricing, vehicle taxes) Develop land use policies Drama7cally improve pedestrian environment"

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Conclusion!
Pedestrians are essential part of transport system" Walking is vital for the poor (and everyone else)" Need to prioritize pedestrians" Act based on sound research, not assumptions"