Analyzing the Pedestrian Mobility in Urban Public Space: The Case Study of Mersin Kushimato Street and Uray Street

Previous research has shown that there is a link between physical activity and health. Increasing physical activity can be achieved by increasing the act of walking. Walkability is one of the key factors supporting human health in the urban environment. The study was conducted in two public spaces (Kushimato Street and Uray Street) in a large city; both spaces were selected based on their popularity among pedestrians and the variety of activities that take place in them. Data were collected in two ways: first, observation of pedestrian movement and behavior, with data collectors noting types of movement (e.g., walking, standing, running) and other relevant information such as the time of day, presence of other individuals, and the physical design of the public space. Secondly, face-to-face interviews were conducted with street users. The results of the study showed that the majority of pedestrians in public spaces are either walking or sitting, with fewer individuals engaging in more active forms of movement such as cycling. The results also showed that pedestrian movement is influenced by various factors such as the time of day, the presence of other individuals, the physical design of the public space, and site characteristics. The two streets are important for the Mediterranean city of Mersin. However, the characteristics of the streets are different. Comparing the pedestrian mobility of the two streets shows us the user behavior, perception, and health. The findings of this study have important implications for the design and management of urban public spaces and can lead to the development of more effective strategies to promote pedestrian mobility and safety.