GIS-based intelligent planning approach of child-friendly pedestrian pathway to promote a child-friendly city

Abstract

Pedestrian safety, particularly for children, relies on well-designed pathways. Child-friendly pathways play a crucial role in safeguarding young pedestrians. Shared spaces accommodating both vehicles and walkers can bring benefits to pedestrians. However, active children playing near these pathways are prone to accidents. This research aims to develop an efficient method for planning child-friendly pedestrian pathways, taking into account community development and the specific needs of children. A mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing the Datang community in Guangzhou, China, as a case study. This approach combined drawing techniques with GIS data analysis. Drawing methods were utilized to identify points of interest for children aged 2–6. The qualitative and quantitative fuzzy analytic hierarchy process assessed factors influencing pathway planning, assigning appropriate weights. The weighted superposition analysis method constructed a comprehensive cost grid, considering various community elements. To streamline the planning process, a GIS tool was developed based on the identified factors, resulting in a practical, child-friendly pedestrian pathway network. Results indicate that this method efficiently creates child-friendly pathways, ensuring optimal connectivity within the planned road network.

Analysis and Optimization of Residential Elements from the Perspective of Multi-Child Families in the Yangtze River Delta Region

“…With the change in fertility policy, the relationship between children and the urban environment has become more important to a certain extent, and a good residential spatial environment can help to eliminate social concerns about fertility, promote the birth and rearing of newborns, and guarantee the sustainable development capacity of society. However, due to birth policy modifications [26,27], the proportion of multi-child families has shifted significantly over the last decade. Previous research is frequently inapplicable to contemporary national conditions and family structure, and there is a lack of comprehensive study on the demand and satisfaction of multi-child families with residential elements in up-to-date living conditions.…”