Perceptions of walking behavior in Riyadh and the role of street widening and urban upgrades

Walking is the most accessible form of physical activity (PA), yet in car-dependent and hot-arid cities like Riyadh, pedestrian mobility is limited by urban design, disconnected networks, and thermal discomfort. This study examines how pathway widening and pedestrian-oriented upgrades influence walking behavior. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research (1) identifies streets upgraded under Green Riyadh and related RCRC programs, (2) documents design improvements including sidewalk expansion, shading, landscaping, lighting, and safety features, and (3) assess changes in walking patterns using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results indicate that while car dependency remains high (94.4%), residents increasingly recognize improvements: 96.3% reported enhanced sidewalks and vegetation, and over half noted increased comfort and safety. Barriers persist: 38.6% cited extreme heat, 41.5% perceived insufficient vegetation, and 32.1% noted disconnected pedestrian routes. Many destinations are within walking distance, yet 37.7% rarely walk, underscoring the importance of shading, continuity, and connectivity. Interventions implemented across primary roads show early positive impacts, and their full benefits will be realized as similar upgrades extend across all road types. Overall, Riyadh’s pathway widening and pedestrian-oriented improvements demonstrate that integrated, climate-sensitive, pedestrian-first design can promote walkability, active lifestyles, and human-centered urban development in hot-arid environments.