Assessment and Modelling of Walk Trips in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined and modeled the walking behavior patterns of residents in Akure, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to collect relevant data for assessing and modeling the walking trip patterns. The questionnaires were administered to 300 participants between May to November 2019 (6 months) across three primary residential neighborhoods in the city; high-density, medium-density, and low-density areas. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software and subsequently modeled using multi-variable regression techniques. The study found that 48.7% of the sampled population preferred to walk, and 49.7% perceived walking as an alternative to motorized trips. Significant differences were observed in the socioeconomic characteristics of residents, such as age and income, across the residential zones (F = 54.731, p<0.001; F = 68.278, p<0.001). The key factors that greatly influenced decision of respondents to walk included socioeconomic factors, such as income, personal car ownership, educational qualifications, and employment status, with age and sex being the least significant socioeconomic determinants. Generally, the factors that motivated respondents to choose walking as a travel mode included its relative affordability, the lack of personal vehicles, awareness of health benefits, safety and security concerns, avoidance of motorized traffic congestion, and favorable weather conditions. The findings of this study have important implications for transportation planning. The paper recommends the need to incorporate non-motorized spaces and walkways into various levels of urban planning and implementation to foster a more walkable environment and encourage active transportation in the city.