A Multi-Method Evaluation of Pedestrian Infrastructure in Higher Education Environments: A Case Study of Institut Teknologi Bandung Ganesha Campus

Pedestrian infrastructure is essential for sustainable mobility in higher education environments. Its effectiveness depends not only on facility provision but also on pedestrians’ experiences of safety, comfort, and accessibility. This study evaluates pedestrian infrastructure performance at the Institut Teknologi Bandung Ganesha Campus, where walking is the primary mode of internal circulation. An integrated framework was applied using the Walkability Index (WI) and Equivalent Walking Distance (EWD). WI assessed infrastructure quality based on path condition, amenities, accessibility, obstructions, crossings, conflicts, and security, while EWD quantified perceived walking effort using route-specific regression-calibrated equations that incorporated actual walking distance, pedestrian–vehicle conflict points, and the number of ascending stair steps along five campus routes. WI scores ranged from 64.2 to 86.4, indicating adequate to excellent pedestrian conditions. However, EWD results show that perceived walking effort consistently exceeds actual distance, with increases of up to 60% on routes with steep topography, frequent stairs, limited crossings, and recurrent conflict points. This divergence highlights a gap between structural adequacy and ergonomic walkability. Although most routes meet basic standards, environmental and operational factors still strongly influence perceived effort and comfort. These findings suggest that technical compliance alone is insufficient to ensure a high-quality walking experience in complex campus environments. By combining infrastructure-based and perception-oriented methods, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of campus walkability. It supports targeted interventions, including accessibility improvements, surface rehabilitation, continuous shading, safer crossings, and clearer wayfinding. The proposed approach offers practical guidance for creating safer, more inclusive, and ergonomically supportive campus walkways in high-density settings with varied topographic conditions.