Pedestrian walkability in Khulna city of Bangladesh

• This study assesses the pedestrian walkability in selected footpaths in Khulna city. • Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) framework was applied using twenty-one factors. • Analytical Hierarchy Process method was employed the weight of each factors. • Findings show that none of the footpaths along the roadways under consideration was deemed to have a satisfactory PLOS value. • The findings could inform broader healthy city planning in Khulna city and elsewhere. Enhanced walkability in city has become an important consideration for healthy city planning globally. This study assesses the pedestrian walkability in selected footpaths in Khulna city of Bangladesh by employing the Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) framework. The PLOS framework is built on twenty-one factors grouped under four categories- geometric characteristics, obstructions and interruptions, aesthetics and amenities, and pedestrian traffic. Using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method of multi-criteria analysis, the weight of each factor has been determined. The PLOS has been calculated based on the indexed value and weight of factors. The results indicate that lighting (11.47%), adequate footpath width (9.86%), footpath maintenance (9.07%), permanent obstructions (8.37%), and footpath cleanliness (8.16%) are the most critical factors influencing pedestrian experience. However, none of the evaluated footpaths achieved a satisfactory PLOS rating, with all falling within grades C, D, or E. This situation is particularly concerning in Khulna, where approximately 21% of commuting trips are undertaken on foot, highlighting the need for improved pedestrian infrastructure. Given the constraints on resources, strategic prioritization based on the relative importance of influencing factors is essential for effective intervention. The findings of this study can assist relevant authorities in identifying and addressing the most critical issues, and contribute to broader efforts toward healthy city planning in Khulna and similar urban contexts.