Pedestrian Perceptions of Sidewalk Paving Attributes: Insights from a Pilot Study in Braga

The influence of sidewalk paving materials on pedestrian safety and comfort remains an underexplored topic within the walkability literature. This pilot study aims to address this gap by evaluating the role of five surface-related attributes—roughness, friction, texture, heat retention, and maintenance—through a qualitative approach complemented by a simplified quantitative evaluation. The study was conducted along a pedestrian route in Braga, Portugal, where pedestrian perceptions were collected via a questionnaire and compared with objective measurements obtained at seven testing points with different paving materials. The results indicate a strong preference for concrete and mortar pavements due to their slip-resistant surfaces, smoothness, and overall regularity. Quantitative tests confirmed that these materials exhibited the highest slip resistance and surface regularity, reinforcing the general alignment between pedestrian perceptions and measured performance. Participants rated paving attributes higher than others, such as sidewalk width or obstacle-free paths. Notable demographic differences also emerged: women rated sidewalk attributes more highly than men, seniors preferred traditional stone pavements more, and adults favored concrete. These findings highlight the importance of integrating surface-related sidewalk attributes into walkability assessments and urban design strategies to promote safer, more comfortable, and more inclusive pedestrian environments.