Barriers in Plain Sight

Pedestrian Accessibility, Safety, and Well-Being in Urban Green Space
Mia Wood at the U District Streetfair booth
RESEARCHER

Mia Wood

School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, University of Washington
U District Advocates

Introduction

Urban green spaces provide measurable environmental and public health benefits, including improved physical health, mental well-being, and climate resilience [1]. These benefits are widely recognized, but access to them is not evenly distributed. Social, structural, and mobility barriers such as unsafe pedestrian infrastructure, limited transit connectivity, and roadway design shape who is able and willing to enter these spaces [2].

The objectives of this study are to:

  1. Identify how user groups experience and perceive accessibility, safety, and health benefits in green urban spaces.
  2. Examine disparities across demographic groups in order to identify equity gaps.
  3. Assess how proposed pedestrian infrastructure improvements may change user behavior.

We evaluate these objectives using the proposed Union Bay Trail as a case study.

Figure 1. Proposed Trail Highlights the existing fence barrier and proposed trail location.
Figure 1. Proposed Trail Highlights the existing fence barrier and proposed trail location.

Methods

This study evaluates the Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA) current site accessibility, safety perceptions, and visitation patterns among users, as well as how a proposed trail connection may influence these experiences and behaviors. 

A cross-sectional survey was distributed through community outreach and intercept surveying. Survey questions assessed travel behavior, site familiarity, perceived safety, accessibility, and willingness to visit under the proposed trail connection scenario. Responses were analyzed to identify differences across user groups and behaviors.
Figure 2. Fence at the site shows the fence barrier located by the start of the proposed trail location.
Figure 2. Fence at the site Shows the fence barrier located by the start of the proposed trail location.

Study Site Context

This study focuses on the Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA) a restored wetland and shoreline near the University of Washington providing ecological, educational, and recreational use. However, access to the site can be challenging for pedestrians and transit users due to barriers such as a mile-long fence and surrounding roadway infrastructure. 

A trail connection has been discussed as a potential infrastructure improvement to increase connectivity between nearby neighborhoods, transit routes, and the UBNA.
Figure 3. Study Site Map: Union Bay Natural Area and surrounding roadways, bodies of water, and neighborhoods.
Figure 3. Study Site Map: Union Bay Natural Area and surrounding roadways, bodies of water, and neighborhoods.

Results

Survey responses show that proposed trail connection increases willingness to visit the UBNA and shift transportation behavior toward more active modes of travel. 
  • 62.6% of respondents say they would be more likely to visit with a direct trail connection if it were created (Figure 4). 
  • 3.8% of respondents indicated they would be less likely to use the trail. 
User travel patterns also changed under the proposed trail scenario (Figure 5). 
  • Responses for walking and biking increased 
  • While car usage decreased by 46.4% 

These findings suggest that improved pedestrian connectivity may encourage greater use of active transportation when accessing the UBNA. 
Figure 4. Mode of Travel to UBNA - Figure shows the change in user's mode of travel to the UBNA before and after being presented the proposed trail scenario.
Figure 4. Mode of Travel to UBNA - Figure shows the change in user's mode of travel to the UBNA before and after being presented the proposed trail scenario.

 

Figure 5. Site Visitation - This figure shows how user likelihood of visiting changed if a more direct pedestrian connection was to be added through UBNA.
Figure 5. Site Visitation - This figure shows how user likelihood of visiting changed if a more direct pedestrian connection was to be added through UBNA.

Discussion

  • Accessibility is not experienced equally. Respondents identified roadway crossings, indirect routes, and limited access points as barriers, disproportionately affecting individuals who walk, bike, or use public transit.
  • Transportation infrastructure around the UBNA favors automobile travel, creating challenges for users traveling without a car despite proximity to nearby neighborhoods and transit routes.
  • Most respondents reported they would be more likely to visit the UBNA if the proposed trail were constructed. Increased walking and biking suggests that improved pedestrian connectivity encourages greater use of active transportation.
Figure 3. Study Site Map: Union Bay Natural Area and surrounding roadways, bodies of water, and neighborhoods.
Figure 3. Study Site Map: Union Bay Natural Area and surrounding roadways, bodies of water, and neighborhoods.

Share Your Thoughts

All community members are invited to share their perspective through a short anonymous survey, regardless of how often you visit the area.
Take the Survey

Downloads

Final Report

Barriers in Plain Sight: Pedestrian Accessibility, Safety, and Well-Being in Urban Green Space

Poster

Final presentation poster

Survey

Union Bay Natural Area Access & Experience Survey

Data Dictionary

Variables included in the survey dataset

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to SEFS Faculty Dr. Ben Dittbrenner, and to Cory Crocker and Eric Fisk of the U District Advocates, for their guidance, expertise, and support throughout this research.

References

1. Shahmohamadi, P., Che-Ani, A. I., Etessam, I., Maulud, K. N. A., & Tawil, N. M. (2011). Healthy environment: The need to mitigate urban heat island effects on human health. Procedia Engineering, 20, 61–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2011.11.139

2. Wolff, M., Mascarenhas, A., Haase, A., Haase, D., Andersson, E., Borgström, S., Kronenberg, J., Łaszkiewicz, E., Biernacka, M. (2022). Conceptualizing multidimensional barriers: a framework for assessing constraints in realizing recreational benefits of urban green spaces. Ecology and society, 27(2), https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-13180-270217
Search