Urban Neighbourhood Equality in Terms of Walkability Index; A Pilot Study on Two Environmental Area of Rome/Italy

Introduction: The research purpose is to quantify the level of walkability based on availability and quality of the existing walking infrastructures in two different neighbourhoods of Rome/Italy. The research move forward to understand how much different area are equally responsive through comprising the condition of walking built environment and the pedestrian perceptions of walkable environment. Methods: The study methodology is based on a mix model on two environmental area of Rome: “San Saba” and “Sacco Pastore”. The method consists of subjectively resident survey based on Abbreviated Neighbourhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS-A) questionnaire, as well as objectively measuring of walking environment features by using Walking Suitability Index of the Territory (T-WSI). The goal of mix method is to identifying the availability of the existing walkability features in each neighbourhood. Statistical analysis approach has been assess the logical output as equity level of walkability infrastructure. Results: The final T-WSI scores are 56.9 for San Saba, and 53.6 for Sacco Pastore. Although all neighbourhoods show gaps in the design for pedestrian use of public spaces, inequalities results from the study, with relevant differences in all categories; in general safety obtained the worst results. Discussion: The study performed underlines differences in terms of walkability among neighbourhoods. T-WSI could be good support for decisions making of local health authorities and policy-makers. In particular, it could be useful for the development of regeneration projects for degraded areas of the cities. This research also considers, how much different urban neighbourhoods in a city are equally responsive environment in terms of walkability based on their resident perceptions.