Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 12(5), pp. 3164 - 3171
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2024.120503
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Exploring the Underutilization of Pedestrian Sidewalks in South Africa's Urban Residential Areas: A Conjoint Analysis Approach

James Honiball ^1,*, Everardt Andre Burger ¹, Heinrich Pretorius ^2
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa
² Department of Civil Engineering, Central University of Technology, South Africa

ABSTRACT

Despite approximately 60% of South Africa's population relying on walking as a primary mode of transport, pedestrian safety remains a critical concern, with one-third of all road fatalities being pedestrians. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for governmental interventions to establish safer non-motorised transport systems. However, such developments are often deprioritised in residential areas, leading to pedestrians frequently resorting to using roadways instead of sidewalks. This study investigates the key attributes contributing to the walkability of residential areas, offering insights to inform urban planning design solutions for enhancing pedestrian infrastructure in these regions. Bloemfontein city in South Africa was used as a case study. A Conjoint Analysis technique, a multivariate method for understanding individual preferences, was employed to identify the significance of various sidewalk attributes. The results indicate that the walkable width of a sidewalk, the obstacles number present, the type of surface material, and changes in elevation significantly influence pedestrians' choice to use sidewalks over roadways. By optimising these elements, we can promote sidewalk usage, encouraging a safer transition for pedestrians away from roadways and towards sidewalks.

KEYWORDS
Pedestrian Infrastructure, Walkability, Residential Areas, South Africa, Conjoint Analysis, Urban Planning Design, Non-motorised Transport, Sidewalk Attributes, Pedestrian Safety, Transport Policies

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] James Honiball , Everardt Andre Burger , Heinrich Pretorius , "Exploring the Underutilization of Pedestrian Sidewalks in South Africa's Urban Residential Areas: A Conjoint Analysis Approach," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 12, No. 5, pp. 3164 - 3171, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2024.120503.

(b). APA Format:
James Honiball , Everardt Andre Burger , Heinrich Pretorius (2024). Exploring the Underutilization of Pedestrian Sidewalks in South Africa's Urban Residential Areas: A Conjoint Analysis Approach. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 12(5), 3164 - 3171. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2024.120503.