Spatial mapping of walking hotspots : experiences around school zones in city of Kigali, Rwanda

Abstract

Walking is the primary mode of commuting in African cities; however, pedestrians face numerous challenges that negatively impact their walking experience. This study aims to identify pedestrian hotspots and analyze their walking experiences around school zones in the city of Kigali, Rwanda. Data were collected using the Walkability App developed by Walk21, focusing on 12 educational centers. The data collection occurred from May 28 to May 31, 2024, and included responses from 1,339 participants. The collected data captured individual geolocated walking experiences around school zones as well as both positive and negative factors influencing these experiences. To identify hotspots of walking experiences, Getis-Ord Gi statistics were utilized. The analysis of these hotspots was validated through photographs taken during field visits, which were then compared to the hotspot map. The findings revealed that hotspots of negative walking experiences were consistently found around five schools: St. Joseph Le Travailleur Secondary School, Kabusunzu Primary School, Groupe Scholaire EPA-St. Michel, Biryogo Primary School, and Ntwali Primary School. Key factors contributing to the negative walking experiences around each school zone include inadequate and open drainage systems, lack of safe crosswalks, inadequate walking paths, increased traffic flow speed, and the absence of pedestrian pathways. This study demonstrates that an urban environment significantly influences pedestrian walking experience. Most hotspots of negative walking experiences in the City of Kigali are located mainly in the peripheral areas with unplanned settlements, such as Nyakabanda, Nyarugenge, and Rwezamenyo. This information is crucial for developing targeted strategies and interventions to enhance pedestrian walking experience around school zones in the City of Kigali.