Journal of Community Medicine & Health Education
Open Access

Abstract

Urban greenways are important quality of life indicators in cities. However, urban greenways research is mostly carried out in developed countries, which limits the knowledge about urban greenways use, perceptions and preferences in urbanized metropolitan cities in developing countries. Considering the high levels of urbanization in Turkey, it is necessary to evaluate urban greenways. This study explores users` perceptions, preferences in urban greenways, and the factors that affect urban greenways in the city of Ayd�?±n, Turkey. Data were collected through a survey with 417 active users on the field and the data were analyzed with multivariate linear regression while controlling for sex, age, marital status, education level, job status, and household income level. Respondents were asked about the distance from their home to the Ko�?�?uyolu Urban Greenway (KUG), frequency and duration of use of the KUG, and the factors that affected their use of the KUG. Results showed that 79.8% of the users live within 1 km of the KUG, 55.4% of the users use the greenway everyday spending 1-2 h for health, recreational and leisure activities. Two factors, distance to home and accessibility were identified as factors influencing frequency of use. Six factors, lighting, drinking water and restroom facilities, well-design, cleanliness, safety, and parking lot, were important factors relating to duration of use. One conclusion of the study is that contrary to Turkish policy makers and public officials` views urban greenways are more than â�?�?luxuryâ�? and provide important health, recreational and leisure activities for Turkish people. Keywords: Urban greenways, Preferences, Perceptions, Trail, Ayd�?±n

Biography

Email: abdullah.akpinar@wsu.edu