Dick Ettema

Utrecht University, Netherlands

November 01, 2012, 12:15, Room GC C3 30 (click here for the map)

An activity-based approach to analyzing walking

Studies of walking behavior have gained momentum over the past years, due to improved data collection techniques and further development of modeling approaches. In most cases, such studies emphasize the detailed movement of pedestrians in relation to aggregate pedestrian flows, and decisions regarding route or destinations during a walking trip. This presentation aims to look upon walking behavior from a broader perspective, by discussing the options of applying an activity based approach to walking behavior. In particular, it will be discussed to what extent decisions made regarding the daily (or longer term) activity pattern influence decisions regarding the walking trip (such as where to walk, for how long, with whom), decisions during the walking trip (such as routes, places to visit and activities to pursue while walking) and the experience of the walking trip (how pleasant, stressful etc.). It will be argued that looking upon walking from this broader perspective gives rise to the inclusion of addition variables in our analyses, including functional characteristics of places and routes (amenities, functions) as well as ambient conditions and aesthetics.

Bio

Dick Ettema is associate professor in the Department of Human Geography and Planning in Utrecht University. He received a PhD from Eindhoven University of Technology with a thesis �Activity-based Modeling� and edited the book �Activity-based Approaches to Travel Analysis� with Harry Timmermans. Since then, he has published widely on activity based analysis, activity based modeling and time-use studies. Dick�s recent work has focuses on the use of active travel modes and the impact of travel and activities on well-being.