Potential of the 15-Minute Peripheral City: Identifying Main Streets and Population Within Walking Distance

Abstract

The concept of the 15-minute city presents challenges for pedestrian accessibility, particularly in peripheral areas with less pedestrian-friendly street networks. This paper explores the angular continuity of main streets and the population potential around them as crucial elements for the development of the 15-minute peripheral city. By utilizing geoprocessing algorithms, the study aims to identify main streets and verify their demographic potential in two distinct geographic contexts near Lille and Nice, France. The protocol is divided into four steps, as follows: (1) main streets identification through continuity, (2) calculation of morphological indicators on buildings, (3) machine learning to estimate the number of dwellings per building, and (4) population potential estimate within different walking distances from main streets. The findings reveal a network of interconnected main streets with significant population potentials in the outskirts of both test areas. These streets could serve as the development corridors for enhancing commercial activities and services, supporting the vision of the 15-minute city in peripheral areas.