Walkability Analysis of Pedestrian Network in the Port City of Catania
摘要
The interaction between port areas and urban environments poses a critical challenge for sustainable urban development. Port must integrate seamlessly with urban infrastructure to improve accessibility and safety for both citizens and visitors. High-quality infrastructure is essential to ensure effective connections between port and city mobility systems, providing reliability, functionality and user comfort. However, integration is often hindered by shortcomings in infrastructure planning and implementation. This study assesses the walkability of pedestrian routes within the port area of Catania, through a methodological approach combining field data and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis. Data were collected via field surveys and open-source platforms to evaluate key attributes, such as route continuity, sidewalk width, presence of access ramps, visibility, pavement maintenance, etc. Each network segment was scored according to predefined criteria, producing a Pedestrian Walkability Index (PWI). Results reveal significant barriers to pedestrian mobility, including pedestrian network discontinuities, fragmentation and poor maintenance, which limit effective port-city integration. The analysis also considers the new Port Regulatory Plan (PRP) of Catania, which outlines strategic actions to enhance sustainability. Findings highlight the need for integrated urban planning that prioritizes pedestrian mobility as a key component of sustainable development, turning port areas into strategic urban assets that foster regeneration and long-term growth.