ENHANCING URBAN MOBILITY: A USER-CENTRIC ANALYSIS OF PEDESTRIAN SIDEWALKS DESIGN IN NORTHERN CYPRUS

Abstract Urban mobility is a determining factor in urban life quality, which enables individuals to move and navigate within the urban fabric. Resulting in creating accessible areas for all users and improving urban life. This research explores the dynamics of mobility in the Yenikent district of Nicosia in Northern Cyprus, specifically focusing on the Belediye Boulevard pathways and sidewalks. Aiming to assess the current situation of the street and discover any challenges that the users might face. Using a combination of methods – surveys, observation, and spatial network analysis – with DepthmapX, this study reveals that there’s a wide range of sidewalk widths ranging from 9 meters to 1 meter, which significantly impacts how people move around and can create pronounced limitations. The research also identifies challenges such as uneven surfaces, obstacles, and limited green spaces. These challenges can pose difficulties for pedestrians, especially those with physical disabilities or blindness. Survey responses from 54 participants emphasize the importance of mobility while expressing concerns about seating areas and the availability of green spaces. By conducting connectivity analysis, both strengths and weaknesses in integrating parts of the boulevard are identified. To improve the environment, recommendations include a comprehensive redesign that addresses variations in sidewalk width, removes obstacles to accessibility, and incorporates more seating areas as well as green spaces. In order to ensure a sustainable redesign that meets user needs effectively.