Examination of service levels in terms of pedestrian mobility and safety: The case of Esenyurt Bağlarçeşme street

Pedestrian mobility and safety are fundamental components of sustainable urban transport policies. In densely populated areas, however, inadequate sidewalk service levels often lead to accessibility and comfort problems, highlighting the need for systematic evaluation and improvement of pedestrian infrastructure. This study aims to analyze sidewalk service levels in terms of pedestrian mobility and safety, focusing on Bağlarçeşme Street in Esenyurt District, Istanbul. The methodology involves a comparative review of national and international pedestrian infrastructure standards, supported by statistical data from the study area. Sidewalk service levels were assessed using two internationally recognized methods: Pedestrian Comfort Guidance for London (PCGL) and the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM, 2010). Sidewalk segments were evaluated based on physical criteria (width, occupation, area size, etc.), and service levels were calculated through formula-based analysis. The results indicate that while certain sidewalk areas are suitable for pedestrian movement, others are insufficient, particularly in high-density zones where physical infrastructure deficiencies reduce service quality. This thesis contributes to service-level-based evaluation of pedestrian infrastructure and provides insights for micro-scale planning and design strategies guided by accessibility, safety, and comfort principles. It offers local authorities an analytical framework to implement pedestrian-friendly urban policies.