Assessing Walking Routes for Wheelchair Accessibility at a Historic District in Saudi Arabia to Enhance Social Sustainability

A study assessing wheelchair accessibility in the UNESCO-listed Historic Jeddah District reveals significant barriers to physical access, with route crossing signals and connectivity scoring lowest. Researchers developed a 14-indicator checklist and observation strategy to evaluate 14 walking routes, highlighting inconsistent compliance with accessibility standards. The findings underscore the need for improved regulations to enhance social sustainability and equal access in historic urban spaces. This practical method offers a cost-effective approach for other heritage sites worldwide to prioritize wheelchair inclusion.

Alhajaj, N., & Habibullah, A. (2025). Assessing Walking Routes for Wheelchair Accessibility at a Historic District in Saudi Arabia to Enhance Social Sustainability. Sustainability, 17(8), 3636. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083636