Safe walking: Analysis of sidewalk segments in Belém – Pará

Abstract

Introduction: The study analyzes "safe and secure" walking in urban spaces. Problem: To what extent do street lighting and pedestrian flow contribute to improving public safety in the urban environment? General Objective: To analyze the contribution of public lighting and pedestrian flow to improving public safety in the urban environment. Materials and Methods: Applied, descriptive and multidisciplinary study, with a quali-quantitative approach. Data Collection: Bibliographic and field research. Spatial and temporal delimitation: four sidewalk segments in Belém, Pará, August 2021. Variables: lighting and daytime and nighttime pedestrian flow, referring to the Public Safety category, analyzed according to the Institute for Transportation and Development Policies (IPTD) and theoretical referential. Results: Three of the four segments present reasonable walking conditions; they have sufficient width despite the obstacles. Concerning lighting, no points are facing the sidewalk. As for the number of pedestrians, only one segment was insufficient, the others were good. Conclusion: Pedestrians need sidewalks with adequate infrastructure, lighting, and easy access to other locations. These are conditions that ensure the maintenance of health and well-being in addition to improving public safety.