Hong Kong is a densely populated city with a comprehensive and massive public transportation system as the backbone of the city’s development. However, Hong Kong’s transportation planning policy has always focused on mass transit systems, often overlooking the basic needs of pedestrians. The objective of this study is to develop a set of walkability index equations that represent Hong Kong’s walking environment and citizens’ walking practices and behaviour. It aims to evaluate the level of development of Hong Kong’s pedestrian network. The Geological Information System (GIS) was adopted to visualize the walkability index of each of the Tertiary Planning Units (TPUs) across Hong Kong. Based on the results, the research examined the association with socio-economic factors and the linkage between individual physical activities and built-environment measures. A new set of walkability index equations was developed. The walkability index equation was calibrated by analysing the correlation between the number of walking trips in TPUs and its built environment measures. Finally, the association and the significance of those built environment characteristics in various TPUs were identified. It is hoped to provide a better walking environment for the city by using the equation as a reference for future urban development.
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PG03 – Neighbourhood Walkability Indices and Walking Behaviour of Hong Kong Residents
