Assessing factors affecting university students’ preference of walking; comparing university of Moratuwa & university of Sri Jayewardenepura

Abstract

This research has been investigated factors affecting students’ preference of walking comparing two universities which have distinct characteristics regarding the students’ preference of walking. First developed framework including factors affecting for walking which have been found through reviewing past research studies. The framework has included three main features: Functionality, Safety and Aesthetic. Under the each feature, a set of elements have studied. Distance and duration elements and safety feature are significant for the decision of walking of university students over the other transportation modes available. Contribution of road conditions such as pavement availability, aesthetic aspects, shading trees, pollution and cleanliness and traffic volume and speed are not highly significant to decide student walking although it highly matters for decide leisure walking. Therefore this research has been revealed the importance of assessing the factors which contribute the decision of walking of university students. This will be helpful to decide future strategies for improve walking.