The equitable use concept in sidewalk design

Abstract

Equitable use (EU) is the first principle of universal design and promotes the usefulness and marketability of products for people with diverse abilities. Sidewalks, as the main circulation path for pedestrian transportation, can be designed and assessed based on this principle to improve their usability for all pedestrians. Currently, there is no clear definition of EU in the sidewalk design criteria; consequently, no design and assessment guidelines are based on this concept. This study aims to remedy this shortcoming in knowledge by defining and translating the theoretical and conceptual components of the characteristics of EU for sidewalks. This study also attempts to identify the contributions of sidewalk design factors in the main dimensions of EU applied to sidewalks. To achieve these objectives, we conduct an extensive literature review of available universal design guidelines and handbooks as well as scientific articles regarding the implementation of EU in outdoor environments and sidewalks. The results of this review contribute to the development of conceptual models to define EU in sidewalk design. A questionnaire was administered to collect data to test the fitness of these conceptual models. Fitness tests are conducted with structural equation modelling (SEM). The EU translation can be useful for designing and assessing sidewalks to ensure that sidewalks serve people with various abilities on an equal basis.