Cautious and risk-related behaviors among older pedestrians: the combined role of sidewalks, cycling infrastructure, and street trees

Climate change requires rapid adoption of green street designs that encourage sustainable mobility, such as walking and cycling, while also helping to mitigate urban heat. In aging societies, these transformations must address the needs of older people. Focusing on Lisbon, Portugal, as a case study, this study explores how street configurations affect older pedestrians’ walking behaviors, focusing on environmental features and behavioral dynamics. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted structured observations of 911 older pedestrians and 1,340 cyclists in flow observations, and 174 older pedestrians in behavioral mapping, complemented by semi-structured interviews, across four streets with contrasting layouts (e.g., sidewalks and cycle lanes on the same level vs. separated, presence vs. absence of trees). Observations spanned four weeks in summer and fall, covering weekdays, weekends, and different times of day. Findings reveal that street design configurations are associated with cautious and risk-related walking behaviors. The study offers empirical insights into sustainable street design, supporting evidence-based policies to enhance older pedestrians’ mobility.