Exploring Pedestrian Comfort and Urban Mobility: A Multi-Modal Assessment of Walking Experiences at Popular Restaurant Destinations in Shanghai

Abstract

This study examines pedestrian comfort and urban mobility in Shanghai’s inner-core restaurant destinations by identifying three distinct access patterns: public transportation with non-motorized or long-distance walking (PNLW), public transportation with short-distance walking (PSW), and motorized vehicle with short-distance walking (MSW). Using a combination of spatial audits, navigation data, and social media text analysis, it evaluates pedestrian comfort through street characteristics and traffic conditions. The findings indicate that destinations primarily accessed by motorized vehicles provide the highest levels of pedestrian comfort due to better-designed access areas and fewer conflicts between pedestrians and electric scooters. In contrast, destinations accessed by public transport and walking experience greater congestion and infrastructural deficiencies. The study concludes that pedestrian comfort is strongly influenced by the continuity, quality, and convenience of spaces where travellers transfer between different modes of transport.