Accessibility of the urban environment for people with limited mobility using the example of Arkhangelsk

¹ Northern (Arctic) Federal University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Severnaya Dvina Emb. 17, Arkhangelsk, 163002, Russia
² Voronezh State Technical University, Moscow Avenue, 14, Voronezh, 394026, Russia

^* Corresponding author: oly-popova@yandex.ru

Abstract

The aim of the study is to assess the availability of urban space for people with limited mobility (PLM). Research objectives: - assessment of urban areas - determining the level of accessibility of the urban environment by assigning accessibility indices to certain territories (quarters); - testing using the example of separate quarters of the city of Arkhangelsk. Two non-adjacent city blocks located in its central part were selected for testing. According to the results of the study, it is possible to conclude that the availability of the urban environment for PLM in the selected quarters is: 37.2% for the first quarter, 42.1% for the second quarter. There is no comprehensive infrastructure suitable for PLM in the territory. Among the main problems are poor coating of footpaths, barriers in the form of curbs, the absence of railings on stairs, canopies and ramps, as well as the lack of equipped recreation places. A feature and advantage of the method is that the purpose of the study is not just a description of the quality characteristics of accessibility, but the determination of specific indicators of the security of various complex components of a comfortable urban environment. Integrated monitoring of the quality of the urban environment for PLM will allow the implementation of targeted programs and activities, taking into account their relevance to the expected effects. This contributes to the prudent use of financial resources. The totality of development programs and measures for individual territories will determine the development strategy of the city as a whole.