Structural relationships between quality, perceived barriers, and use of public spaces in an intermediate city in Ecuador

This study examines structural relationships between perceived quality, perceived barriers, and public space use in Riobamba, an intermediate Andean city in Ecuador. Based on a survey of 385 residents, aggregate indicators were constructed for parks and plazas, streets, bike lanes, and sports spaces, and estimated using structural equation modelling. Results show that perceived quality is positively associated with use. Perceived barriers also relate positively to use, suggesting that they capture not only restrictions, but deficits recognized by exposed users. The indirect quality-use relationship through barriers is interpreted as experiential mediation, underscoring the need for planning centred on everyday citizen experience.