Abstract
The impact of shade on pedestrian travel activity is examined through observation of a large sample of sidewalk users at a variety of urban sites under hot and sunny conditions. Extensive data collection in the city of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel, included micrometeorological measurements alongside pedestrian counts, using high-frequency imaging at 34 sites during summer daytime hours. A sample of individuals (n = 5263) identified approximately 60% as being in the shade. The actual availability of shaded space was found to be a consequential factor, as the relative quantity of shaded space correlated strongly and directly with the percentage of people using it. Thus, at sites in which the areas of shaded and unshaded space were relatively equal in quantity and functionality, the proportion of pedestrians travelling in the shade increased to over 70%. Additionally, the intensity of solar exposure—calculated as the total incidence of direct and indirect solar radiation on the body of a standing person at the time of observation—was shown to have a strong correlation with the percentage of pedestrians travelling in the shade. These findings substantiate the imperative for generous shade provision in thermally stressful pedestrian environments.
Policy relevance
This research provides empirical evidence for developing urban design policies focusing on enhancing outdoor shade to increase walkability under hot conditions. A novel method is presented and used to examine the extent to which outdoor shade is correlated with pedestrian route preference. A large empirical dataset was created to observe pedestrian choices for travel in shaded and unshaded conditions in hot weather. The results show that at sites with comparable shade availability and site circumstances, a clear preference of pedestrians is to travel in the shade. Under hot conditions, shaded routes are likely to attract more pedestrians, although some pedestrians still use unshaded pathways even when shade is adequately provided.