Measuring accessibility by proximity for an inclusive city

Accessibility is a relevant condition for social inclusion, depending on both context (transport system, land use patterns, temporal availability) and individual features. Based on this, it may be used for measuring people's ability to participate in social life and activities that contribute to their well-being. With the aim of dealing with the accessibility by proximity concept, this paper proposes an Inclusive Accessibility by Proximity Index (IAPI), conceived as a tool for assessing accessibility levels to services and activities deemed essential for local inhabitants, while recognizing the impact of the physical and perceptual characteristics of urban spaces and paths on active mobility. By considering the needs and habits of different mobility profiles in relation to the spaces and paths they live and cross daily, IAPI can help direct the construction of planning and urban design measures aimed at promoting walkability and cyclability and improving accessibility via active modes, thus envisioning a more sustainable and inclusive city. Taking a cue from the experience conducted in the testbed of Bologna (Italy), this paper describes the methodology for constructing and applying the index, presents the results obtained, and outlines the steps to make the tool scalable and sensitive to the different contexts.