Avaliação da caminhabilidade: um estudo comparativo entre dois bairros de João Pessoa – PB

Abstract

The urban design can influence human behavior. This influence can be manifested through walkability, an attribute of the urban environment capable of encouraging active transport and physical activity, and which has been presented as an intelligent alternative to make cities more sustainable and healthier. In view of this, this study has the main objective of evaluating the walkability of João Pessoa - PB from a sample formed by two neighborhoods of the city with distinct morphological characteristics. For this, a systematic review was in-itially carried out following the PRISMA methodology, in eight databases, with no time restriction, which sought to map and analyze the literature on walkability and its effects on human health. After this, two neighborhoods in the city of João Pessoa, Miramar and São José, were chosen, where urban sections were selected, using the Proportional Stratified Sampling (AEP) method. The walkability assessment was then carried out in the study areas, using iCam 2.0, a tool developed by the Institute for Transport and Development Policies (ITDP Brazil). The results of the iCam application revealed that the walkability is insuffi-cient in several sections of both neighborhoods. However, the general score for walkability in Miramar was higher and considered sufficient by the index, whereas São José had the worst walkability evaluation and was considered insufficient. The results of this research can contribute to the construction of literature on the subject and to the understanding of aspects of urban design that favor walkability, thus helping public managers and urban planners to direct efforts and investments aimed at promoting better walking conditions for pedestrians, and consequently encourage the adoption of active transport.