CORRELATION OF SIDEWALK WALKABILITY ATTRIBUTES AND SIDEWALK

APPEAL WITH WALKING PREFERENCES AND BEHAVIOR OF

COMMUTER-PEDESTRIANS FROM GOLDEN CITY SUBDIVISION, DILA, SANTA
ROSA, LAGUNA

SHAMAH REGIMEN REYNALDO

INTRODUCTION

The rapid and exponential growth of the human population has continuously
pushed every community to advance in every aspect – economic, social, institutional,
environmental, political etc. – so as to keep up with the various needs of the growing
population. This population growth precedes urbanization; and urbanization, likewise,
precedes urban development. For the most part, urban development is characterized by
industrialization and the growth of commerce, creating opportunities for businesses to
expand, and providing jobs for the people as well.

Although urban development has greatly contributed to the cities’ progress both
socially and economically, urban development also has its weaknesses, and these can
be seen especially in poorly planned cities. One of the disadvantages of urban
development is automobile dependency wherein the layout of the city is leaning towards
favoring automobiles rather than alternative forms of transport such as cycling and
walking (Foltynova et al., 2005). Couple that with the ease of purchasing automobiles
nowadays and commuters will be encouraged to purchase their own vehicles, which will
now add to the already heavy traffic that commuters are experiencing daily. The
fast-paced city life has likewise influenced the behavior of commuter-pedestrians when
it comes to traveling from places to places. Such is the case in Metro Manila wherein
nearly 35% of destinations are within a 15-minute walk or bicycle trip, yet majority of
these short trips are made by jeepneys, tricycles and cars; and although those modes of
transport is not the most ideal to use in such crowded places, commuter-pedestrians
are still attracted to use them (Cameña and Castro, 2017). The same situation can be
observed in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna – commuter-pedestrians would rather bear
the agony of waiting for a jeepney ride and endure the slow traffic than walk short
distances within the vicinity; hence, the sidewalks are generally underutilized, and
whether the reason is the nature of the sidewalks being unappealing or just the fact that
Filipino commuter-pedestrians prefer motorized over non-motorized modes of transport
even when travelling short distances, we have yet to find out.
 For a city that has been facing the same problem of traffic congestion for years, it
is only necessary to make the sidewalks not just viable for walking but attractive enough
to be walked on in order to encourage commuter-pedestrians to choose alternate
modes of transport like walking to get to nearby places. This will not only maximize the
utilization of sidewalks, but it will also promote health and physical activity, and develop
social capital among members of the community as well (Leyden, 2003). A study by
Giles-Corti and Johnson (2005), which associated attractive and large public open
spaces with higher levels of walking, highlights how the general appearance and appeal
of spaces affect the frequency of which they are used; and the same goes with
pathways and sidewalks. This is where walkability comes in. Walkability can be defined
using different terms such as proximity, accessibility, and sustainability (Ros-McDonnell,
et al., 2016), and can be measured by evaluating the different attributes of a sidewalk
such as sidewalk width, safety, presence of amenities, number of obstacles, pedestrian
flow rate, comfort, and attractiveness (Wicramasinghe and Dissanayake, 2017).
Improvements in the overall walkability – particularly aesthetics, safety, accessibility,
and street connectivity of sidewalks – is just one of the things that would encourage
commuter-pedestrians to make use of these pathways (Lee and Moudon, 2008).
Moreover, security, purpose of travel, and convenience also influence the walking
behavior of commuter-pedestrians (Yang and Diez-Roux, 2012).

Objectives

General objective: To determine the intrinsic and extrinsic factors which influence
commuter-pedestrian walking preferences and behavior.

Specific objectives:
● To determine commuter-pedestrian walking behavior when travelling
within a one-kilometer radius
● To determine the relationship between commuter-pedestrian walking
preferences and sidewalk attributes
● To determine the relationship between commuter-pedestrian walking
preferences and sidewalk appeal
● To find out how likely will improving sidewalk walkability increase the
levels of walking
 METHODOLOGY

Location of the study

The research study will be conducted in Barangay Dila, City of Santa Rosa,
Laguna. Of the 18 barangays in Santa Rosa City, Dila ranks third in terms of population
based on the 2015 Population Census. Also called Burol by the locals, the center of the
barangay is situated on the hilly portion of the city. Dila is home to seven subdivisions,
two of which – namely Golden City Subdivision and Southdrive Village – are known to
many migrant workers because of the abundance of apartment rentals in the said
locations, which are conveniently near one of the central business districts on the
adjacent barangay. The study is limited to the assessment of sidewalks along Manila
South Road in Barangay Dila only.

Data gathering

At least 100 respondents will be asked to accomplish a survey questionnaire

(see Appendix A) composed of a mix of open-ended and close-ended questions, and
Likert scales. The respondents shall meet the following criteria: (1) 18 years old and
above, (2) part of the labor force, (3) residing in Golden City Subdivision or Southdrive
Village in Dila, Santa Rosa, and (4) a regular commuter.

The following data will be gathered from the survey questionnaire: (1) personal
information of respondents; (2) respondents’ walking preferences with regards to
purpose, time, and distance; (3) respondents’ personal ratings of the appeal of
sidewalks in terms of enjoyment, comfort, security, and convenience; (4) respondents’
personal ratings of the physical and environmental attributes of the sidewalks; and (5)
respondents’ recommendations for the improvement of the sidewalks. Moreover, the
researcher will conduct observations to gather qualitative data on the walking behavior
of commuter-pedestrians at different times of the day.

Data analysis

The Linkert scale data as well as the data that will be gathered from the
multiple-choice questions will be analyzed straightforwardly using descriptive statistics.
Moreover, a correlational analysis will be used in determining whether there is a
relationship between commuter-pedestrian walking preferences and their personal
ratings of the appeal of sidewalks; and if there is also a relationship between pedestrian
walking preferences and their personal ratings of the physical and environmental
attributes of the sidewalks. A more in-depth explanation and analysis will be done based
on the respondents’ answers on the open-ended questions.

EXPECTED OUTPUT

The expected outputs for this research study are:

● Descriptive statistics
● Correlation analysis
● Observation research

REFERENCES

Cameña, J. P., & Castro, J. T. (2017). Determinants of Walkability and Use of

Non-motorized Transport in a Medium-Sized City of a Developing Country.
Journal of the Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies, Vol 12, 2017.
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/easts/12/0/12_1311/_pdf.
Foltynova, B., Hana & Hak, Tomas & Kovanda, & Jan & Greslova. (2005). Automobile
Dependency and Sustainable Development. An indicator-based approach.
Researchgate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335681782_Automobile_
Dependency_and_Sustainable_Development_An_indicator_based_approach. 
Giles-Corti, B., & Johnson, M. (2005). Increasing walking: How important is distance to,
attractiveness, and size of public open space? American Journal of Preventive
Medicine, 28 (2 Suppl 2): 169-76.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/8037191_Increasing_walking_How_imp
ortant_is_distance_to_attractiveness_and_size_of_public_open_space.
Goyal, V. S. (2020, October). Integrating and planning for non-motorized transport in
urban areas. UNESCAP Regional Expert Group Meeting & Second Asia BRTS
Conference. Delhi; India. 
Lee, C., & Moudon, A. V. (2008). Neighbourhood design and physical activity. Building
Research & Information, 36(5), 395–411.
https://doi.org/10.1080/09613210802045547 
Leyden, K. M. (2003). Social Capital and the Built Environment: The Importance of
Walkable Neighborhoods. American Journal of Public Health, 93(9), 1546–1551.
https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.93.9.1546 
Ros-McDonnell, L., De la Fuente, M., Szander, N., & Ros-McDonnell, D. (2016). A study
of the walkability impact in a compact mediterranean city.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305045623_A_study_of_the_walkability
_impact_in_a_compact_mediterranean_city. 
Wicramasinghe, V., & Dissanayake, S. (2017). Evaluation of pedestrians’ sidewalk
behavior in developing countries. Transportation Research Procedia, 25,
4068–4078. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2017.05.327 
Yang, Y., & Diez-Roux, A. V. (2012). Walking Distance by Trip Purpose and Population
Subgroups. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 43(1), 11–19.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2012.03.015 

Appendix A. Survey Questionnaire

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name:
Age:
Sex:
Contact no.:
E-mail address: 
 
WALKING PREFERENCES

Time in relation to purpose

How much time are you willing to spend waiting for a public transport (i.e. jeepney,
tricycle, taxi etc.) when traveling within 1.0 km radius? 
● Less than 4 minutes
● 4-6 minutes
● 7-9 minutes
● 10-12 minutes
● 13-15 minutes
● More than 15 minutes

How much time are you willing to spend walking when going to work?
● Less than 4 minutes
● 4-6 minutes
● 7-9 minutes
● 10-12 minutes
● 13-15 minutes
● More than 15 minutes
● I prefer commuting
How much time are you willing to spend walking to access services and necessities?
(i.e. grocery, stores, school, hospital etc.)
● Less than 4 minutes
● 4-6 minutes
● 7-9 minutes
● 10-12 minutes
● 13-15 minutes
● More than 15 minutes
● I prefer commuting

How much time are you willing to spend for leisure walking?
● Less than 4 minutes
● 4-6 minutes
● 7-9 minutes
● 10-12 minutes
● 13-15 minutes
● More than 15 minutes
● I prefer commuting

Distance in relation to purpose

Reference for the following questions:

0.25 km = distance from entrance of Golden City, Dila to One Sta. Rosa Prime Building
0.50 km = distance from entrance of Golden City, Dila to Villa Caceres
0.75 km = distance from entrance of Golden City, Dila to Chair of St. Peter Parish
1.0 km = distance from entrance of Golden City, Dila to Target Mall

How far are you willing to walk when going to work?

● 0.24 kilometer or less
● 0.25 – 0.49 kilometer
● 0.5 – 0.74 kilometer
● 0.75 – 1.0 kilometer
● 1.1 – 1.5 kilometers
● 1.5 kilometers and above
● I prefer commuting

How far are you willing to walk to access services and necessities? (i.e. grocery, stores,
school, clinic etc.)
● 0.24 kilometer or less
● 0.25 – 0.49 kilometer
● 0.5 – 0.74 kilometer
● 0.75 – 1.0 kilometer
● 1.1 – 1.5 kilometers
● 1.5 kilometers and above
● I prefer commuting

How far are you willing to walk for leisure?

 ● 0.24 kilometer or less
● 0.25 – 0.49 kilometer
● 0.5 – 0.74 kilometer
● 0.75 – 1.0 kilometer
● 1.1 – 1.5 kilometers
● 1.5 kilometers and above
● I prefer commuting

PERSONAL APPEAL OF SIDEWALKS

Have you ever tried walking from Golden City Subdivision to Complex, Balibago and
nearby areas? 
● Yes
● No

If not, would you consider walking from Golden City Subdivision entrance to Complex,
Balibago and nearby areas? Why or why not? 

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

In reference to the sidewalks along Manila South Road from Dila to Balibago, rate the
extent to which you agree or disagree for each statement. Put a checkmark (✓) on the
corresponding column of your answer.
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree Neither Agree Strongly
disagree agree nor Agree
disagree

1. I enjoy using the sidewalk

1. I walk from Golden City to

Balibago because I consider it a physical
activity
1. I feel that the sidewalks are
comfortable enough to walk on

1. I find it cumbersome to use the

sidewalks from Dila to Balibago

1. It is worth the money to spend

Php 10.00 on jeepney fare when
traveling from Dila to Balibago

1. I walk from Golden City to

Balibago to save money on
transportation and avoid traffic

1. I only use the sidewalk when I

am in a hurry and there is heavy traffic

1. I feel safe and secure when I use

the sidewalks from Golden City to
Balibago

1. I avoid the sidewalks at night

because it seems unsafe
SIDEWALK WALKABILITY ATTRIBUTES

Physical

In reference to the sidewalks along Manila South Road from Dila to Balibago, rate the
extent to which you agree or disagree for each statement. Put a checkmark (✓) on the
corresponding column of your answer.
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagre Neither Agre Strongly
disagree e agree nor e Agree
disagree

1. The sidewalks are wide enough for

me to walk on

1. The sidewalks are narrow and too

close the road

1. The sidewalks are well paved and

leveled, and they are easy to walk on

1. The sidewalks are uneven and lack

continuity

1. The sidewalks are too plain and

unattractive
1. The sidewalks do not look like
sidewalks at all

1. The sidewalks are well lighted at

night

1. The sidewalks are difficult to walk

on at night because it is dark

1. The sidewalks are filled with

obstructions (garbage litter, cracks,
puddles, extension of houses, electrical
posts, hanging wirings etc.) 

1. It is not easy to walk through the

sidewalks

Rate the extent to which each feature would likely encourage you to use the sidewalks
along Manila South Road from Dila to Balibago. Put a checkmark (✓) on the
corresponding column of your answer.
1 2 3 4 5
Very Unlikely Neutral Likely Very
unlikely likely

1. Well-paved and even sidewalks

1. Continuity of sidewalks

1. Wider sidewalks (>2m)

1. Additional streetlights

1. Greener sidewalks

1. Presence of safety rails

1. Installation of surveillance cameras

1. Removal of obstructions(garbage litter,

cracks, puddles, extension of houses, electrical
posts, hanging wirings etc.) on the sidewalk for
ease of walking

1. More pedestrian crossings

1. PWD accessories such as ramps

Environmental

In reference to the sidewalks along Manila South Road from Dila to Balibago, rate the
extent to which you agree or disagree for each statement. Put a checkmark (✓) on the
corresponding column of your answer.
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree Neither Agree Strongly
disagree agree nor Agree
disagree

1. I would rather walk than ride a

jeepney from Golden City to
Balibago if the traffic is too heavy 

1. I would still ride the jeepney

despite the heavy traffic

1. I would spend extra money for a

tricycle ride to Balibago if the traffic is too
heavy

1. Seeing people use the sidewalks

compels me to do the same sometimes 

1. I do not use the sidewalks if there

are too many people using it

1. I would rather endure the heavy

traffic on a jeepney than walk when it is
raining

1. I would rather endure the heavy

traffic on a jeepney than walk when it is
blazing hot outside

1. I would use the sidewalks more if

it were well-shaded

1. I think we need more trees along

our sidewalks
1. I do not like using the sidewalks
due to poor air quality

FOR SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS

Rate the importance of each physical feature when establishing a sidewalk. Put a
checkmark (✓) on the corresponding column of your answer.
Physical Features 1 2 3 4 5
Not very Not Neutral Important Very
important important important

1. Paved or cemented
pathway

1. Streetlights

1. Aesthetics of sidewalks

1. Landscaping/Greenery

1. Safety rails

1. Surveillance or CCTV

1. Ramps for PWD

What other factors not mentioned above discourages you from walking from Golden
City to Balibago and vice versa?

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

What other factors not mentioned above would encourage you to walk from Golden City
to Balibago and vice versa? 

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

What other sidewalk features can you think of that would increase its overall
walkability? 
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________