EXAMINING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF SIDEWALKS FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS: THE CASE OF EFELER CITY (AYDIN TURKIYE)

This study examined the accessibility of the sidewalks of the boulevards in the city center of the Efeler district of Aydin Province (Turkiye) for wheelchair users. The variables defining the comfort and safety aspects of the sidewalks for wheelchair users were weighted and addressed. This study is important because it contributes to the participation of wheelchair users in public life.The unevenness of over 10 cm in height, with or without concordance (steps)/V1 on Ataturk, Dogu Gazi, and istasyon Boulevards should be reduced. Sidewalks on Ataturk Boulevard, Bat Gazi Boulevard, Dogu Gazi Boulevard, istasyon Boulevard, and Vali Konagi Boulevard should be repaired since they are Full of holes and loose stones, etc. (impracticable for use)/V2. Continuity in the sidewalks should be ensured by eliminating the interruptions in the segments as No pavement or vegetal covering (grass)/V3 on Ataturk, Dogu Gazi, and istasyon Boulevards.