Pedestrian Health and Safety Challenges in Port Harcourt: A Case Study of Mile 1 to Rumuokoro

This study investigates pedestrian health and safety along the Mile 1 to Rumuokoro corridor in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, a critical urban transport route characterized by heavy vehicular traffic, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and high accident risks. The research addresses the systemic neglect of pedestrian needs, which exacerbates road injuries, fatalities, and environmental health hazards. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combined quantitative surveys (n = 203) with spatial and statistical analyses (MATLAB R2024b) to assess infrastructure quality, behavioral risks, and public safety perceptions. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, summated index scoring, and logistic regression were applied to analyze pedestrian experiences, infrastructure deficiencies, and health outcomes. Key findings reveal moderate infrastructure adequacy (mean score = 3.03), with significant deficiencies in disability access (mean = 2.80) and sidewalk conditions. Behavioral risks, such as distracted walking (mean = 3.45) and conflicts with reckless cyclists (mean = 3.47), were prevalent, while environmental factors like poor air quality and lack of shaded walkways (mean = 2.82) compounded health risks. Public safety perceptions were marginally positive (meaning 3.00), but concerns persisted regarding nighttime safety and driver non-compliance. Logistic regression indicated a 90% probability (p ≈ 0.899) that current conditions elevate pedestrian health risks, underscoring the urgency of intervention. The study concludes that pedestrian safety in Port Harcourt is undermined by fragmented infrastructure, weak enforcement, and inadequate urban planning. Recommendations include upgrading pedestrian pathways, enforcing traffic laws, integrating green buffers, and deploying AI-driven traffic management systems. Policy reforms should prioritize inclusive design, public awareness campaigns, and multi-agency collaboration to align with global safety standards (WHO, 2023). This research contributes to sustainable urban mobility discourse by advocating data-driven, pedestrian-centric planning in rapidly growing cities.