Feasibility study of Turning the Street into a Sustainable Sidewalk(Case Study: Center of Chamestan, Mazandaran)

   Today's cities face to many problems due to over-reliance on passenger transport. The increase of cars in the city, tearing the urban fabric and creating many problems such as congestion, traffic, air pollution, reduced safety and security, and damage to the city is done only by car. Paying attention to sidewalks increases communication and social interactions, improves the quality of urban space, boosts shopping centers, reduces environmental pollution, reduces traffic and accidents, respects pedestrian identity, and increases pedestrian safety and security. Therefore, addressing the issue of sidewalks and paying attention to their characteristics such as vitality, flexibility, safety, accessibility, continuity, etc. are of special importance in sustainable urban development.

 The method of the present study is descriptive-analytical. In this research, both documentary and field methods have been used. In the documentary method, mostly scientific books, scientific-research journals, Latin sources, sites, and related institutions and organs have been used to collect information and the history and meaning of this title. In the field method, to study the implementation of this project in terms of sidewalks in the central part of the city, field visits to the study area and the distribution of questionnaires have been used. The statistical society includes residents, employees, and pedestrians in the area of ​​Ayatollah Khamenei Street. The sample size of the statistical population was obtained by Cochran's formula, which is 370 samples due to the unknown population of the statistical society. In this study, a random sampling method was used. Also, the t-test and Friedman test were used to analyze the data to determine the ability to convert the street into a sidewalk.

A questionnaire was used to evaluate the feasibility of converting the street into a sidewalk in the central part of Chamestan. Questionnaire questions from research participants in socio-economic, physical-functional, access and traffic, and design and urban furniture. According to the results, the average scores of the respondents regarding the effect of organizing and paving Ayatollah Khamenei Street on increasing their satisfaction, as well as the property and rental prices of this street are higher than average compared to other streets in the city. The average scores of the respondents about the historical and cultural identity of the street, the appropriateness of the connection with the street, and the ability to provide emergency services to this street are moderate. The average scores obtained for other items are below average. To prioritize the effectiveness of each of the factors affecting walking, the Friedman test was used. The results indicate that from the respondents' point of view, access and traffic, socio-economic, physical-functional, and urban design and furniture have the greatest impact on walking, respectively. A one-sample t-test was used to evaluate the condition of urban furniture. According to the results, the condition of urban furniture on Khamenei Street is at an unfavorable level. The results obtained in the study of the goals of those who refer to the desired street show that the average scores related to the status of visiting for fun and appointments with friends are lower than average. Based on this, it is concluded that people go to the streets less for the above cases. But the average score for shopping and being on the road is higher than average. Also, using a private car and visiting on foot is at a high level. The average score for taxi and bicycle use is below average. The average scores of the respondents about stopping on the side of the street are higher than average and stopping in the surrounding alleys is low. The use of public parking is also moderate. 

  The results of examining the condition of Khamenei Street show that the street in terms of socio-economic, physical-functional, access, and traffic is in a moderate condition. It has the desirability and quality required for walking. Among the four components studied, the social and economic component is the strength of pedestrianization in this street, which shows the historical, cultural, and commercial identity of the street and can attract different age groups. However, the average scores obtained from the design and urban furniture component indicate that this route is at an unfavorable level, which is the main weakness of the street for pedestrian construction. In this regard, complementary measures and planning should be considered, such as street flooring, proper lighting, and lighting, green cover, tree planting, etc. The physical and functional dimensions of the street are also in a state of disarray that must be addressed, including order and fit between the buildings on the street, the desirability of the color and appearance of the buildings on this street, providing parking, strengthening public transportation, and various activities. The results show that the more effective role of this street is to "cross it" which in case of closure, it is necessary to define a suitable alternative route to prevent serious disruption of the city's communication system. Therefore, strengthening and supporting "Salamat Street", which has a similar role and is located in the eastern part of the city, can be suggested as an alternative route. In general, it can be said that the gradual implementation of the streets of the city center of Chamestan is a good solution for better access and prosperity of civic life and stability of the functions of the central part of the city. This program has been successful in many countries around the world and the cities of Iran and has had many positive results.