Introduction Latin America's motorization rate has exceeded the global average over the past decade, at the expense of public transport use. However, walking remains the primary mode of transportation, accounting for one in every three trips. While research has advanced our understanding of how perceptions of the built environment factors relate to walking behavior, how these factors influence pedestrians' walking experiences is less explored. This study examines how pedestrians' perceptions of urban and social environment factors shape walking experiences within public transportation catchment areas, using data collected from a sample of adults in Monterrey, Mexico. Methods We conducted intercept surveys around two metro stations and estimated a structural equation model to examine direct and indirect effects of latent constructs on walking experiences. Results Our findings indicate that perceived safety plays a significant role in mediating the relationship between the built environment and walking experience. How people perceive pedestrian infrastructure affects their walking experience directly and indirectly through safety perceptions, with varying impacts across stations. Additionally, how people perceive pedestrian infrastructure at the station in comparison to that of their home neighborhood can influence their trip quality. Conclusions These insights can help us understand how the urban environment affects walking experiences in Mexican metropolitan areas and can help inform better urban design around public transit stations. Future investments in pedestrian infrastructure should consider the mediating role of safety from crime and traffic to ensure that all residents can benefit from these investments.
Reséndiz et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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