Accessibility to urban green spaces in Chilean cities using adaptive thresholds. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rojas, Carolina; Páez, Antonio; Barbosa, Olga; Carrasco, Juan
• Is Part Of: Journal of transport geography. Volume 57(2016)
• Page Start: 227
• Page End: 240
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Urban green spaces -- Accessibility -- Mobility -- Walk -- Chilean -- Cities; Transportation -- Periodicals; Telecommunication -- Periodicals; Transport -- Périodiques; Télécommunications -- Périodiques; Telecommunication; Transportation; Periodicals; 388
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2016.10.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-6923

Abstract

Abstract: Open spaces in cities, such as green spaces and parks, are key elements of urban landscapes and urban sustainability. Open spaces improve the quality of the environment, quality of life, and promote social interaction and inclusion. There is evidence of positive impacts on health. This research analyses the potential accessibility to open spaces in two Chilean cities, Valdivia and Temuco. Analysis of accessibility is based on patterns of daily mobility by travelers while considering their trips and transport modes, in particular walking. Statistical analysis of trip length forms the basis of an adaptive threshold for the calculation of a cumulative potential measure of accessibility. The analysis shows that, for these two cities, variations in accessibility tend to be driven by age and gender, and less by income. There are also variations between the two cities, with Temuco showing better levels of accessibility, as a consequence of residents generally undertaking longer walking trips. Highlights: Urban green spaces are key elements of urban sustainability. Accessibility to urban green spaces in two medium-size Chilean cities are investigated. Accessibility was measured based on travel behavior model. Differentials in accessibility to urban green spaces in Temuco and Valdivia are detected, by locality, age, gender and income. Most interactions of accessibility are produced by age in comparison to gender.