A model proposal in evaluation of urban highways for pedestrian opportunities and accessibility: The case of yenişehir district of mersin province

This study has been conducted on 22 main axes and a total of 34 axes divided into section, which have the highest pedestrian and vehicle density in Yenisehir district of Mersin city, for evaluation of urban highways for pedestrian opportunities and accessibility. With the pedestrian axis opportunities set method developed under this study, pedestrian axis opportunities set for the overall pedestrian axis and pedestrian opportunities set values for the disables opportunities on pedestrian axis were calculated, and the total pedestrian opportunities set value has been calculated for each axis. In addition to easiness in comparison and expression, in order to identify different assessment criteria with a common unit, pedestrian axis opportunities set values have been indexed by accepting the highest pedestrian axis opportunities set value as 100 among themselves and between axes. The scale and map for pedestrian axis opportunities have been prepared, and the calculated numerical findings have been transferred on the map of the research area. It is aimed to ascertain in which way improvements should be carried out in the axes that are detected to have appropriateness and inadequacy levels and to bring a new approach by creating a basis for urban transportation decisions in line with the principle of accessibility for all segments of the society within the cities on the basis of enabling decisions to be taken and implementations to be carried out in this direction on the new axes to be planned. With this study, it is aimed to make contribution in creating disabled-friendly urban areas based on accessibility for disabled persons and all segments of the society, and to local administrations while making and implementing urban transportation policies for plans and applications at the design stage that will contribute to social development.