Evaluation the desirability of urban sidewalk based on qualitative factors Case study: Alam al-Hoda sidewalk in Rasht city

Rapid population growth in urban areas, has created the adverse consequences for cities. So cities must provide better places to live. One of this places is sidewalk and increasing walkability in this cities. The main purpose of this study is measurement the status of Alam al-Hoda sidewalk. In this first step, theoretical basis was studied. Then, four main factor (physical, Comfort and Convenience, environmental and land use and activity) and 22 index selected. Then, by using the Delphi method and Analytic Hierarchy Process and Expert choice software, these indexes were prioritized. Then, by field studies and 400 questionnaires completed by citizens, the status of this sidewalk was assessed. Result in the physical indexes showed that the Width of the walkways is first ranked with a score of 3.65 and appropriate design of walls with a score of 2.21 is the seventh rank. Result in the environmental indexes showed that the Protection of pedestrians against climate change with a score of 2.61 has the best situation. Result in the comfort and convenience indexes showed that the noise pollution is first ranked with a score of 3.59 and easily access to sidewalk and security are second and third rank. Result in the land use and activity indexes showed that the diversity of users with a score of 3.68 has best situation and the possibility of loading and unloading of commercial units (with a score of 2.83) and special landmarks (with a score of 2.72) in second and third rank.