Navigating Safety and Urban Challenges: A Study of Children's Pedestrian Experiences in Jeddah's School Zones

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing children's walkability in the automobile-centric city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, highlighting the urgent need for pedestrian-friendly infrastructures around school zones. Our objectives were threefold: to conduct an exhaustive literature review identifying critical walkability factors; to administer a survey throughout Jeddah's school complexes; and to assess children's walkability via street audits, GIS analysis, and pedestrian flow dynamics evaluation.

Our findings underscore the imperative for enhancements in school zones, particularly in the areas of crossing facilities, street signage, and speed control measures. We advocate for the augmentation of shaded green spaces within an 800-meter radius of schools to foster a cooler, more inviting walking environment for children. The study also points to the significance of parking space design in managing vehicle overflow effectively and suggests prioritizing uninterrupted sidewalks and minimized intersections to elevate pedestrian safety.

Conclusively, our research offers essential insights for urban planners and policymakers, who are aiming to create a safer, more walkable environment for children in cities heavily dependent on automobiles, like Jeddah.