INCOME AND CONCORDANCE BETWEEN OBJECTIVE AND PERCEIVED WALKABILITY

Abstract

In order to realise Singapore’s vision of becoming a car-lite city, the urban landscape has to become more pedestrian friendly. Additionally, with the recent ban on electric scooters (e-scooters) from footpaths which started in November 2019, Singapore faces yet another challenge in reducing its reliance on cars. In order to bring new perspectives into understanding Singapore’s strategy in urban planning, this paper will examine the urban walking environment of Clementi by comparing the perceived walkability of homes in Clementi with objectively measured walkability. This difference between actual and perceived walkability, if any, will be compared with one’s household income, to determine if household income influences one’s perception of the walkability of their homes. Data will be collected from published reports and maps from government agencies. Perceived walkability will be established through surveys and interviews conducted in this current study. The Walkability Framework and Ecologic Model of Physical Activity will be used to facilitate this analysis as well. Based on findings from this study, it was found that income plays a role in the concordance between objective and perceived walkability due to differing motives for walking; Walking for transport is more prevalent in lower income households and walking for leisure is most common among high-income residents. Finally, these conclusions on walkability in Clementi will be addressed along with strategies and possible interventions that can be introduced to encourage walking among Singaporeans.