Unraveling Proximity-Centered Accessibility: A Global Discourse Among Planning Practitioners

Abstract

Recently, a growing interest in proximity-centered accessibility has emerged within both research and practical applications, giving rise to a variety of terminologies and interpretations. According to Silva et al. (2023), proximity-centered accessibility encompasses individuals' ability to access activities or destinations within short distances, up to 1600 meters. This promotes sustainable and inclusive accessibility, ensuring reasonable travel times irrespective of the chosen mode of transport, with a focus on the slowest modes.

This research aims to broaden the conceptual framework of proximity-centered accessibility. It delves into the nuanced meanings ascribed to proximity-centered accessibility by planning practitioners globally, spanning diverse regional and local contexts. Employing an survey distributed among over 9000 practitioners from 20 countries across five continents, the study collected over 1300 responses. The survey investigated preferred terms for proximity-centered accessibility and their definitions, specifically emphasizing time and distance thresholds and relevant activities.

The findings highlight a preference for terms like walking, pedestrian, or cycling accessibility and local and neighborhood accessibility to convey the concept of proximity. Most respondents defined proximity within distances up to 1600 meters. Exploration of relevant activities revealed a consensus, transcending regional differences, on the significance of activities like primary and pre-primary schools, playgrounds, parks, food shopping, and pharmacies in proximity.

This research sheds light on the commonalities observed and delves into the dissimilarities uncovered across the analyzed regional contexts. The insights derived from this global discourse contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of proximity-centered accessibility, fostering informed and contextually relevant planning practices on a worldwide scale.