Developing a Model for Planting Trees Along the Walkway

Ladin, Mohd Azizul; Ismael Albrka, Shaban; Ismail, Amiruddin; O.K. Rahmat, Riza Atiq Abdullah · 2014 · Crossref

DOI: 10.11113/jt.v69.3117

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Summary

This study addresses the need to enhance non-motorized transport (NMT) by investigating how tree planting along walkways influences pedestrians' willingness to walk. Motivated by the benefits of active transport—such as improved health, reduced automobile traffic, and increased safety—the research specifically examines whether providing shade through foliage cover can extend the distance pedestrians are willing to travel on foot. The primary objective was to develop a transport model predicting walking willingness under two conditions: with and without sufficient tree cover. The research was conducted at the main campus of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Bangi, Selangor. The study utilized a stated preference survey (SPS) involving 150 randomly selected student respondents, comprising both graduates and undergraduates. Participants were asked to indicate the maximum distance they were willing to walk under two scenarios: first, without shading trees or weather protection, and second, with trees providing shade along the walkway. The collected data were analyzed using linear regression and logistic model analysis to determine the probability of walking at various distances. The results demonstrated a significant increase in walking willingness when trees were present. In the absence of trees, 100% of respondents were willing to walk up to 100 meters, but only 18% were willing to walk up to 500 meters, and merely 1% would walk up to 800 meters. Conversely, with tree cover, 100% remained willing to walk up to 100 meters, but 56% were willing to walk up to 400 meters, and 14% would walk up to 700 meters. The study found that for distances between 300 and 700 meters, the percentage of pedestrians willing to walk doubled when trees were present. Two logistic models were developed to quantify this relationship, providing equations to calculate the probability of walking based on distance for both conditions. The significance of these findings lies in their application to urban planning and transportation engineering. The developed models allow planners to determine optimal distances between facilities, such as student centers and residential colleges, based on pedestrian willingness. Furthermore, the study suggests that planting trees is a cost-effective alternative to constructing covered walkways, as trees provide necessary shade and beautification while encouraging longer walking distances. The research concludes that tree planting along walkways significantly promotes non-motorized transport by mitigating weather-related barriers, thereby supporting healthier and more sustainable urban environments.

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• pedestrian behavior perception