Author(s)

AYMAN MAHMOUD EL-ZEMRANY, RANA ASHRAF ABDELKADER KANDIL

Abstract

Quality of life is an important aspect of liveability in cities. Being able to walk means there is less energy consumption, a stronger local economy and better health, thus better economic and social status. We aim to identify the role of walkability in city centers: How walkable is the city of Alexandria, Egypt? How do people feel about walking in the city? This research reviews how walkability develops in a city and has identified how the people in the central business district (CBD) of Alexandria travel through it. Walkable communities help cut greenhouse gas and other emissions by encouraging less driving, improving citizen’s health by providing more walking opportunities, reduce crime by increasing social interaction, and support the local economy by encouraging shopping in the city center. The main problem is the decrease in walking rates in the CBD of Alexandria. Our research uses a questionnaire to identify the proportion of people living or working in the CBD, what means of travel they use, how long their journey is between home and the CBD, and what walkability issues they face. This paper is of great importance to planners and decision-makers, showing how people behave in the historic CBD of Alexandria.

Keywords

Alexandria, city, central business district, Egypt, quality of life, sustainability, urban planning, walkability