The determinants of both perceived walkability and walking satisfaction have been studied frequently in the past years. However, less is known on how they relate to each other. This study addresses this research gap and investigates how perceived walkability may impact walking satisfaction. As part of an EU project, we surveyed respondents in three case study cities: Dortmund, Gothenburg and Genoa. By using the validated and tested Short Perceived Walkability Scale (SPWS) and Satisfaction with Travel Scale (STS), we first analysed how walking satisfaction differs according to varying levels of perceived walkability. In a second step, we applied hierarchical linear regression models, exploring effects of perceived walkability on walking satisfaction while controlling for socio-demographics, trip characteristics and walking attitudes. Finally, we explored the determinants of walking satisfaction for various travel purposes. The results suggest that walking satisfaction is significantly affected by various types of perceived walkability. Respondents with high levels of perceived walkability are more satisfied with their walking trip than respondents with low(er) levels of perceived walkability. Additionally, mobility restrictions, trip duration, walking attitudes and weather conditions seem to influence walking satisfaction, albeit differently according to trip purpose. Our findings suggest that policy makers should focus on improving (perceived) walkability levels in order to increase walking satisfaction and stimulate more frequent walking.

Walkability has become a major topic in mobility and transport research over the last decade. To investigate the complex nature of walkability, a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is often suggested. This paper introduces a mixed methods approach applied in a research project examining urban walkability at the neighbourhood scale in three European cities: Gothenburg, Dortmund and Genoa. Of the four methods used, our innovative citizen-science based Walking Route Assessment is the focus of this paper. The complementary roles of other methods (spatial modelling, household survey and walk-along interviews) are also discussed to reveal the benefits of mixed methods approaches for future walkability studies. The paper identified a set of prerequisites for improving perceived walkability. To enhance walking environments, more green space and place-making aspects should be taken into account, along with improving traffic safety and pedestrian environments through small interventions and the day-to-day maintenance of public spaces. The citizen-science led method played an important role in highlighting the areas for improving urban walkability, with photographic evidence. Cross-examination with the results from other methods provided deeper insights into people’s perceptions of their walking environment and routes on a neighbourhood scale. 

This study examined and compared walking satisfaction in three case study cities in Europe: Dortmund, Genoa, and Gothenburg as part of an EU project. By analyzing household survey data, we explored levels and determinants of walking satisfaction within and between the cities, using the Satisfaction with Travel Scale to measure walking satisfaction. The results show that levels of walking satisfaction differ between the cities, both overall and in terms of its sub-dimensions positive activation, deactivation and cognitive evaluation. This implies that different experiences are present when walking in different contexts. We also found that different factors influence walking satisfaction in different contexts. Accessibility and the social setting, in terms of walking in company or not, are important for walking satisfaction in all contexts. On city level, several differences in determinants were detected. These findings point at the importance of contextual settings in evaluations of walking satisfaction. In all three cities, we also found that walking satisfaction was significantly higher for trips which allow more flexibility, such as leisure or recreational walking, than for trips with a set destination. The findings expand the existing body of knowledge about determinants of walking satisfaction in different urban settings and provides vital insights for urban planning and policies determined to foster walking-friendly and satisfactory local urban environments.

I många stadsområden är bilen fortfarande det dominerande transportmedlet, någonting som orsakar mångaproblem, såsom trängsel, luftföroreningar och buller, utsläpp av växthusgaser, trafikolyckor samt ineffektivinfrastruktur och markanvändning. I kontrast till detta så är gång ett hållbart sätt att transportera sig – utanutsläpp, genomförbart för de flesta och bra för hälsa och välbefinnande. Om fler använde sina egna fötter förkorta resor (i kombination med kollektivtrafik) har det potential att stödja lågutsläppstransporter, minskabilberoendet och öka social rättvisa och inkludering för personer som inte har ekonomiska förutsättningar attäga en privat bil.Det övergripande målet för WalkUrban är att nå en bättre förståelse för urban gångbarhet och lokal tillgänglighet för att frigöra potentialen för gång som medel för att transportera sig.Projektet kombinerar kvantitativa och kvalitativa metoder genom innovativa analyser av objektiv ochupplevd gångbarhet samt gångrelaterade attityder och resetillfredsställelse. Projektet syftar till att identifieraviktiga drivkrafter och hinder för gång i olika stadsområden.Forskningen har genomförts i nära samarbete med lokala intressenter i tre europeiska städer (Genua,Dortmund och Göteborg) för att identifiera lokala lösningar samt finna allmänna rekommendationer för enstadsmiljö med fokus på fotgängare.