Universal Accessibiluty and Walkability Indicators: Towards More Inclusive and Sustainable Cities
Event Title
EURA 2025: Creating healthy and sustainable cities
Year (definitive publication)
2025
Language
English
Country
United Kingdom
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Abstract
Urban territories reflect the evolution of mobility systems, which frequently tend to consume public space and take people's space for themselves. The emergency to combat climate change and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions have highlighted the impact of sustainable and inclusive urban planning, aligned with the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. In this context, the participatory processes and the development of social cohesion and carbon reduction indicators are becoming increasingly important. Universal accessibility indicators have emerged as essential tools for promoting more socio-just and inclusive cities. Victor Pineda (2014) defends accessibility as a fundamental right, necessary for the full participation of all citizens, including people with disabilities and the elderly. This view is in line with spatial justice, as described by Edward W. Soja (2010), who argues that it is fundamental to have equitable distribution of urban resources. For her part, Susan Fainstein (2010) emphasizes the importance of public policies that promote equal access to services and infrastructures. Transport decarbonization and walkability are central in the process of reducing the urban carbon footprint. Jeff Speck (2012) and Jan Gehl (2010) advocate that cities designed to be walkable reduce the use of motorized vehicles and encourage active and sustainable urban lifestyles. This concept challenges public policies to encourage soft mobility infrastructures. This paper explores the connection between universal accessibility indicators and walkability issues, focusing on the New Walkability App presented at the Walk 21 Lisbon Conference. The tool aims to support the development of more just and sustainable environments, monitoring spatial justice and promoting the active inclusion of all. The approach facilitates the continuous monitoring and evaluation of spatial justice and, at the same time, seeks to promote the active inclusion of all people, regardless of their physical and sensory abilities.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Universal Accessibility,Walkability,Spatial Justice,Sustainable Urban Planning,Public Policies
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