Proposal of Instrument for Assessment of Walkability in University Campuses

Abstract

This study aimed to elaborate an assessment tool for walkability perception in university campuses. Based on NEWS (Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale), the Walkability Perception Scale in campus (EPCcampus, in Portuguese) was measured through a questionnaire composed of 15 questions related to the quality of walking spaces in which respondents had a Likert-type scale for their answers. Another 4 questions related to user satisfaction were added to the questionnaire. A total of 273 students from three University campuses (UFSCar, USP I and USP II) in the city of São Carlos, State of São Paulo, Brazil, were surveyed. Statistical analyses showed a good consistency of the questionnaire (Cronbach’s α of 0.756) and a strong correlation between perception and user satisfaction (R=0.71). A Regular perception was the most representative for UFSCar campus, while a Good perception was the most representative for USP I and USP II campuses.