Navigating the Public Space: A Mixed Method Study on the Walking Accessibility for People with Mobility Disabilities.

Abstract

Walking is often seen as an accessible form of physical activity for everyone. However, being able to walk safely and freely in public spaces is not self-evident for everyone. People with mobility disabilities often struggle to navigate public spaces due to the various barriers they come across. This study examines the experiences of individuals with mobility disabilities regarding walking in public space, focusing on how accessible the spaces are and what factors influence the accessibility. The Capability Approach and the Social Model of Disability are used as theoretical frameworks in this study. Using a mixed-method approach, the study combines quantitative survey data with qualitative insights from focus groups. Participants in both the survey and the focus groups reported several barriers to walking accessibility. These included environmental obstacles like uneven sidewalks, social factors such as attitudes of other road users, and personal challenges. Assistive devices like rollators and wheelchairs were found to highlight the limitations of poorly designed environments. A gap between the desire to walk independently and the actual ability to do so was recognised in this study. The results suggest that walking is not merely a mode of transport, but a valued functioning shaped by personal, social, and environmental conversion factors. This study emphasises the need for inclusive policies and urban design that actively support the freedom to walk for people with mobility disabilities, which is in line with the Capability Approach.