Methodological proposal for the assessment of universal accessibility on footpaths: The case of the historical center of Faro

Abstract

In a context of accessible tourism it is necessary that pedestrian networks hold a set of attributes of quality that guarantee usability by all citizens. An accessible physical environment should be considered as a criterion of quality, which will make pedestrian dislocations more pleasant not only for the elderly and people with disabilities but for the entire resident population and tourists. In the case study it is ascertain whether the physical characteristics of pedestrian infrastructures of cultural interest, located in the Historical Center of Faro, comply with the requirements of the Portuguese Accessibility Legislation. Therefore, it has been created a methodology for assessing the universal accessibility of pedestrian infrastructure through the construction of performance indicators. The diagnosis is achieved through a model of evaluation of the degree of conformity of the spaces and presented spatially with appeal to a Geographical Information System. The diagnosis confirms the existence of inaccessible pedestrian infrastructure, some solutions are proposed and concludes the need to trigger processes of urban regeneration that promote accessible and cultural tourism.