Abstract

Clifton, K., Livi, Andrea and Rodriguez, Daniel A. "The development and testing of an audit for the pedestrian environment." Under review.

Planning as well as public health researchers have recently come to focus research on walking, as it is a healthy and important non-motorized mode of transportation. However, there is still a dearth of environmental audits focusing specifically on features of the environment that impact pedestrians. This lack of dedicated environmental audits is problematic as it greatly limits the value of additional research, such as analyses of pedestrian behavior and perceptions. A good understanding of the environment is necessary to fully analyze behaviors and perceptions. This paper presents the development of a complete environmental audit methodology for pedestrian uses.

The audit instrument was adapted from several instruments originating both in the US and abroad and was designed to specifically address pedestrian concerns as well as minimize cost and implementation time. Relevant technology was incorporated into the development and administration of the instrument. Training of administrators included in depth verbal and visual descriptions of the questions was well as the elaboration of administrative procedures, including thorough protocols detailing general daily procedures and specific procedures at each street segment.

Results of the administration of the audit included maps generated from twenty five environmental variables. The validity of measures was tested through reliability testing. These tests showed high reliability for all but a few variables and confirmed the beneficial qualities of the adopted ordering of questions and procedures at each segment.

The environmental audit methodology described above provides a comprehensive method to assess pedestrian environments. Its low cost and small administrative burden also make it easy to implement. This should aid researchers in better understanding the pedestrian environment and advance pedestrian research. Future development and analysis of this audit will include external validity testing and development of sampling strategies.