The influence of socio-demographic and neighborhood characteristics on residents’ safety perception of active mobility in Accra, Ghana

Abstract

The rise in automobiles within rapidly developing nations in Sub-Saharan Africa necessitates the exploration of sustainable transportation alternatives, especially in urban regions. Walking and cycling are essential active modes of transport that can improve city residents’ well-being and economic vitality. However, their adoption as mobility choices depends on infrastructure limitations and residents’ perception of their safety. This study investigates the impact of socio-demographic and neighborhood characteristics on the safety perception of active mobility within the Accra metropolis of Ghana. The study utilized survey data on residents’ mobility habits and willingness to use active transport modes for daily commutes. Most of the respondents are permanent residents of Accra, and 51% are between 18–35 years old. The developed random parameter ordered logit model reveals that the perception of safety varies across the population and is influenced by respondents’ demographic characteristics and neighborhood configuration. Notably, factors related to walking duration to bus stops, income level, and household size, unplanned neighborhoods, among others, decrease residents’ safety perception of active mobility. The study offers valuable insights that can aid in planning future urban active mobility systems in Accra to establish safer and more sustainable transportation choices for the city’s residents.