Walkable streets “FOR the PEOPLE” “BY the PEOPLE”

Abstract

The realisation that improving walkability can enhance public transport patronage has been gaining momentum. The preconditions for encouraging non-motorized transport – high densities and mixed use already exist in many cities of the Global South. Street designs which promote accessibility and safety for increased walkability have been developed, but are yet to be adopted in these cities. The impediments to walkability here are not only related to the built form and physical design but are imbedded in strong sociocultural factors which influence people’s decision to walk. How can the decision-making process be influenced to empower people to walk? What are the bottom-up approaches that can make people aware of walkability issues? How can their decision to walk be supported? Offering a sociocultural model of walking that posits a causal influence in the decision-making process, this paper discusses a recent project in an Indian city, focusing on walkability issues while using a participatory, people-centric approach, as reflected in the model of inquiry developed.

Keywords:

• Walkability
• collaborative engagement
• ethnography
• performativity
• Indian cities

Acknowledgements

We thank Curtin University students, Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities, Samarthyam (National Centre for Accessible Environments) and Smita Bharti Theatre Group for their contribution and support for the project.