Pedestrian Sidewalk Choice and Perceived Walkability: A Comparative Study of 3D Streetscapes on an Asymmetric Urban Street in Biskra, Algeria

This study explores the relationship among three-dimensional (3D) streetscape characteristics, perceived walkability, and pedestrian sidewalk choice through a comparative analysis of two opposite sidewalks along Boulevard de la République (formerly Rue Berthe), an asymmetric urban street adjacent to the 5 July 1962 Garden (D’jnane Baylek) in Biskra city center, Algeria. An exploratory comparative mixed-method approach was adopted, combining objective 3D streetscape assessment through street-level image analysis and GIS-based spatial analysis, pedestrian field observations using the gate count method to examine sidewalk choice, and an online photo-based questionnaire to assess perceived walkability. The results indicated that variations in perceived walkability and pedestrian sidewalk preferences were associated with contrasting 3D streetscape characteristics. While the vegetation-dominant sidewalk showed higher perceived walkability and overall preference, the built-dominant sidewalk with higher arcade coverage was more heavily used during the midday observation period. These findings suggest that pedestrian spatial choices and perceived walkability were associated with a combination of environmental quality, potential shading conditions, visual attractiveness, and spatial configuration within the studied context. The present study contributes to the walkability literature by combining objective and subjective assessments of 3D streetscape characteristics, perceived walkability, and pedestrian sidewalk preferences, providing exploratory evidence relevant to pedestrian-centered design in hot-arid urban contexts for future research.