All-Age-Friendly Streets in Chinese and International Research: A Bibliometric and Comparative Review (1994–2024)

Streets are vital socio-spatial infrastructures that shape mobility, well-being, and social inclusion across age groups. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric and comparative review of all-age-friendly street walkability research in the Chinese (CNKI) and English (Web of Science) literature from 1994 to 2024. Using CiteSpace for keyword co-occurrence, clustering, and burst detection, 204 publications were analyzed to map thematic evolution and methodological trends. Results reveal a persistent elderly-oriented bias and fragmented cross-scale integration, with international studies demonstrating earlier theoretical maturity and multi-scalar analytical models, while Chinese research advances in streetscape image analysis, VR simulations, and perception-based designs. Despite their differing trajectories, both studies converge on the shared goal of enhancing walkability, health, and urban livability. This review highlights key research gaps—particularly intergenerational assessment frameworks, explainable analytics, and policy translation—and proposes pathways toward integrating design, planning, and governance to promote all-age-friendly streets worldwide.