The distribution of walkability in an African city: Praia, Cabo Verde: Fid-Bau Portal

The distribution of walkability in an African city: Praia, Cabo Verde

Anciaes, Paulo Rui / Nascimento, Judite / Silva, Salif

AbstractThis paper analyses disparities in walking conditions in neighbourhoods with different incomes and urbanization levels in Praia, the capital of Cabo Verde islands. Walkability is measured considering factors relevant to a semi-arid, post-colonial, fast growing, middle-income African city. The estimated indicators measure the availability of destinations accessible on foot and the quality of the walking experience. The study found that high income neighbourhoods have the lowest overall provision of pedestrian space and protection from traffic (in more urbanized areas) and the lowest walking accessibility to people, shops, and leisure areas (in less urbanized areas). Low income neighbourhoods have the highest environmental risks (in more urbanized areas) and the highest slopes, lowest provision of formal pedestrian space, and lowest accessibility to jobs, facilities, and bus stops (in less urbanized areas). The results provide insights into the type of public policies needed to improve walkability in the different parts of the city.

Highlights•Walkability is measured with indicators relevant to a fast growing African city.•Rich, dense areas have less pedestrian space and protection from traffic.•Rich, sparse areas have low walking accessibility to people, shops, and leisure.•Poor, dense areas have the highest environmental risks and incidence of crime.•Poor, sparse areas have less formal space and access to jobs, facilities, and buses.