Abstract:
Abstract
There are challenges facing wheelchair users to lead their daily life. Lack of accessible sidewalks is the most common problem for their mobility. This study investigated the suitability of sidewalk for wheelchair users at Sefene selam sub city, Bahir Dar. In order to investigate suitability of sidewalks elements for wheelchair users, parameters namely, obstructions, surface, width, transition grade, crosswalks curb ramp and driveways; and running slope from Digital Elevation Model of Bahir Dar was considered. Primary and secondary data were collected, analyzed and presented using tape measure, level beam, level gauge, Global Positioning System, Microsoft-excel. Tables, percentages and maps were used for the analysis purpose. The parameters were converted to raster format and then reclassified in to common value 1 for unsuitable and 2 for suitable based on suitability analysis evaluation criteria. The suitability levels for each sidewalk elements were classified as suitable or not based on the standard of American Disability Act and Addis Ababa City Road Authority specifications. Finally, fuzzy overlay analysis was used to aggregate the dichotomizedcriteria map layers into a fuzzy suitability map. The result of each parameter analysis separately from 6,924 meter of sidewalk showed 64.2%, 8.4%, 88.5%, 100%, 94.1%, 20.8% and 98.6% are unsuitable for wheelchair users due to obstructions, width, surface, transition grade, running slope, driveways and crosswalks curb ramp parameters respectively. In conclusion, the combination of parameter through fuzzy overlay analysis along with interview result revealed that sidewalks 100% are unsuitable for wheelchair users. Therefore, all concerned sectors shall give due attention and work in collaboration as well execute based on Addis Ababa City Road Authoritygeometric design specification to provide suitable sidewalk for wheelchair users.
Key Words: Commercial center, dichotomizedcriteria, Sidewalk suitability, Sidewalk elements,
Wheelchair users.