ABSTRACT
This study compares affective walking experiences (AWE) and walking intentions (WI) in five locations of the city center of Bristol, UK and tests the relationship between AWE and WI with inferential analysis and qualitative research.
An online experiment was conducted with 269 adults who work and/or study in Bristol.
Findings confirmed that WI varied between settings and that WI were influenced by affective walking experiences.
Policy implications are also discussed. First, the development of traffic-free areas in urban settings is recommended. Second, improvements on the walking infrastructure can contribute to WI. Third, cleanliness and maintenance of streets and public areas should be enhanced. Fourth, results strengthen rationales for preservation and conservation of historic areas, buildings, and elements such as lampposts. Fifth, incorporating green and blue elements in cities is a successful strategy to improve psychological wellbeing and increase WI. Finally, spaces to socialise should be a priority for city designers.
