EVALUATION OF SIDEWALK ADAPTATION TO PEDESTRIAN NEEDS – A CASE STUDY OF BELGRADE’S CENTRAL URBAN AREA

Abstract

By promoting the use of more environmentally friendly modes of movement, modern cities increasingly recognize walking as a form of mobility that, in addition to reducing traffic congestion, encourages healthier habits, economic equality and social interaction. However, despite its key role in the development of a sustainable transport system, walking often depends on the spatial-functional characteristics of the designed street network, including infrastructural barriers that not only affect the width and overall usability of sidewalks, but also the satisfaction of pedestrians when moving. Bearing that in mind, this paper aims to indicate the extent to which pedestrian sidewalks are adapted to pedestrians from the aspect of designing and satisfying their needs within the central city zone of Belgrade. Relying on the results of field and survey research, an assessment of the level of pedestrian satisfaction was made, which depends on the presence of physical obstacles and the adaptability of the sidewalk to different groups of users. By presenting a useful basis, this paper contributes to the development of a methodological framework and provides support to decision makers in understanding the problem and proposing appropriate design solutions.