Assessing the Quality of Walkability in Al-Ain City (Term Paper Sample)



Assessing the Quality of Walkability in Al-Ain City
Name:
Fall 2020-370 Transit Oriented Development (TOD)
United Arab Emirates University
Table of Contents
Abstract 2
Introduction 4
Urban Design Qualities 4
Walkability Elements in Neighborhoods 5
Research Areas 6
Research Methods and Data 7
Research Methodology 7
Research Design 7
Data Collection Method 7
Secondary Data 7
Primary Data 8
i. Observation method 8
ii. Survey 8
Literature review 9
Define a Walkable Community? 9
Walkability Criteria 9
Measuring Walkability 11
Methodology for Evaluating Walkability 11
Complete Streets 12
Urban Design Features to Stimulate Walkability 12
Walkable Neighborhood Criticism 13
References 14
Assessing the Quality of Walkability in Al-Ain City
Abstract
Background
The UAE acknowledges walkability as a significant factor for sustainable urban growth as it seeks to enhance the existing environment. The current research sought to investigate the quality of walkability in four neighborhoods in Al Ain. We leveraged criteria created using notable literature concerning walkability. The criteria was applied to understand and assess the quality of walkability in the four selected neighborhoods in Al Ain city. The first two areas were situated in the modern division of the city while the other two were positioned in the old section of the city. The overriding objective of this research was to comprehend whether particular physical traits motivate personalities to walk as informed by evidence from the four neighborhoods.
Research Methods
We performed a field observation: we selected a day and time when the temperature was low to determine the number of individuals walking for two periods during the same day each lasting 20 minutes.
We created the walkability criteria and applied it to perform a comparison between the selected neighborhoods in Al Ain to establish whether each area met walkability standards.
We utilized an online survey to collect data from individuals in the four selected neighborhoods using questions such as; do you walk? Why do you walk?
Finding
This study established that the four selected neighborhoods had a quality physical environment that promoted residents to engage in walkability. However, individuals did not walk. Perhaps, other issues compelled the individuals in these neighborhoods to engage less or rarely in walkability.
Significance
The findings of this study will aid in understanding and improving walkability in Al Ain City. Importantly, it will aid the municipality formulate prudent decisions to raise awareness among the public concerning the significance of engaging in walkability.
Introduction
The current research aims to explore the nature of walkability in UAE, Al Ain city. Specifically, it seeks to investigate the quality of walkability in four neighborhoods in Al Ain city. The significance of walkability in the contemporary world can be observed through the numerous metropolises across the globe which have commenced appreciating the importance and benefits of walkability. They have improved the built environment to improve walkability and to enable their citizens to reap these benefits. A critical determinant of walkability, particularly in numerous residential areas across numerous cities globally is attractiveness, safety, increased sidewalks, and mixed-used growth.
Urban Design Qualities
The advantages of walkability are cemented in numerous studies and disciplines such as environment, economics, health, and urban planning. Jacobs (2006) notes that for a city to stimulate walkability it should have a dense blend of land application and should be created and intended for use by public.
Table  SEQ Table \* ARABIC 1: Walkability in neighborhoods benefits
EnvironmentHealth EconomicWalkability fulfills a pivotal role in promoting wellbeing and quality of life; it aids in protecting the environment through lowering carbon emissions connected with fewer car trips, less accidents, and traffic congestion and minimizes noise and air pollution (Charron, 2017).Higher walkability across the neighborhood is strongly linked with lower rates of obesity, heart problems and improves muscles and bones development, mental health, and lower the risk of suffering from cancer (Charron, 2017).Communities that actively engage in walkability support local businesses. Usually enterprises such as shops are clustered together and through walkability individuals can spend money in different neighboring enterprises. This stimulates internal economic growth, lower transportation costs, and enhances tourism (Charron, 2017).Table 1 summarizes the benefits of engaging in walkability around neighborhoods
Walkability Elements in Neighborhoods
Walkability elements are extensively discussed in literature by numerous publications. For instance, Lehman (2007) outlines