Evaluating the capability of walkability audit tools for assessing sidewalks

Abstract

Even though assessing sidewalks is an integral component of walkability assessment tools, no single study exists that adequately covers the relevance of existing walkability audits for sidewalk assessment. In this paper, an in-depth review of walkability audit tools is conducted. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether the existing tools consider factors such as safety, attractiveness, disability issues and path conditions that are essential for sidewalk assessment. This review shows that a limited number of audit tools consider disability issues, safety, and attractiveness. The tools reviewed mainly use path condition factors. In conclusion, recommendations are made for future walkability audits that focus on accessibility factors, as well as micro-scale design factors.