The Walkability Analysis Focused on the Urban Safety Development

This paper presents a methodological advancement in the analysis of urban walkability by focusing on the relationship between pedestrian safety and the accessibility of public space. The research, developed within the con-text of post-earthquake reconstruction in the city of L’Aquila (Italy), proposes a multi-criteria framework based on three interrelated dimensions: geometric-morphological, proximity, and sociality. The contribution specifically deepens the definition and application of the Obstacle Index (Io), a sub-component of the geometric-morphological approach, designed to measure the incidence and spa-tial distribution of physical barriers that hinder pedestrian movement and reduce the continuity of sidewalks. The methodological innovation lies in the combina-tion of automated and semi-automated data collection with manual remote sur-veys, enabling accurate georeferencing and categorization of obstacles. These elements are interpreted not only as interruptions in walkable infrastructure but as critical indicators of architectural barriers, in alignment with inclusive design principles and accessibility standards. The case study, applied to three zones of L’Aquila, reveals significant spatial inequalities in walkability and highlights pri-ority areas for pedestrian infrastructure improvement. The results aim to support safety-conscious urban design strategies and promote inclusive public space plan-ning, ensuring walkable environments for all user groups, including elderly people, children, and persons with reduced mobility.