Non-Motorized Traffic Planning: Enhancing Walkability in Saudi Arabia

As cities in Saudi Arabia continue to evolve with rapid urban expansion, the need for sustainable, inclusive, and accessible transportation solutions becomes more critical than ever. Among these, non-motorized traffic planning, which includes pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, plays a vital role in ensuring a high quality of urban life. Walkability, the ease and safety of walking in urban spaces, is an essential component of smart and sustainable city development.

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Why Walkability Matters in Saudi Arabia

Historically, urban design in Saudi Arabia has been car-centric due to climatic conditions, cultural norms, and rapid motorization. However, this has led to:

• Congested city centers
• Environmental degradation
• Reduced physical activity among the population
• Social segregation of those without access to cars

Improving walkability is not only an urban design goal but a national health, environmental, and social equity issue. Enhancing pedestrian infrastructure fosters healthier lifestyles, reduces vehicular dependency, and creates more livable urban environments.

The Role of Non-Motorized Traffic Planning

Non-motorized traffic planning refers to the design and regulation of infrastructure that supports walking, cycling, and other non-engine-powered modes. In the context of Saudi Arabia, this includes:

• Safe pedestrian walkways
• Bicycle lanes
• Integrated pedestrian crossings
• Shaded walking routes
• Urban signage and mapping
• Pedestrian-accessible public transport nodes

This planning approach is directly supported by the Saudi Highway Code (SHC) which emphasizes the use of topographic mapping, geodetic reference systems, and national spatial data for effective infrastructure development.

Geospatial Infrastructure and Surveying

Saudi Arabia’s move toward smarter non-motorized planning is reinforced by its Saudi Arabia National Spatial Reference System (SANSRS), which includes:

• KSA-GRF17 (Geodetic Reference Frame)
• KSA-VRF14 (Vertical Reference Frame)
• KSA-GEOID21 (Geoid Model)

These systems provide high-resolution, reliable data essential for mapping urban walking trails, slopes, pedestrian terrain features, and more. Accurate geospatial data is crucial to:

• Design walkable corridors
• Identify topographical challenges
• Plan shaded or elevated walkways in hilly or hot terrains
• Ensure proper connectivity between zones

Urban Mapping and Walkability Indicators

According to the SHC, topographic maps used for non-motorized planning in KSA include detailed representations of:

• Road edges, sidewalks, and pedestrian bridges
• Utilities (like street lighting for safety)
• Natural and built environment features
• Public amenities and access points

Such maps allow planners to assess urban walkability indicators, including:

• Sidewalk continuity and width
• Safety from traffic (buffer zones)
• Shade availability (vegetation or structures)
• Proximity to services (schools, mosques, parks)
• Terrain slope and elevation for accessibility

Guidelines for Implementation from the SHC

The Saudi Highway Code (SHC 202) outlines specific standards and requirements relevant to walkability:

1. Data Collection & Mapping: Pedestrian infrastructure must be mapped using high-accuracy geodetic and topographic methods.
2. Surveying Principles: Urban pedestrian elements should be recorded with precision to ensure appropriate gradient, accessibility, and safety.
3. Instrument Calibration: Survey instruments must be calibrated to ensure accurate positioning of pedestrian features.
4. Safety Planning: Walkways near roads must be designed with safety barriers and adequate lighting.

Challenges in Saudi Arabia's Urban Walkability

Despite its strategic efforts, Saudi Arabia faces key challenges in implementing walkable cityscapes:

• Extreme Climate: High summer temperatures require shaded and climate-resilient pedestrian paths.
• Urban Sprawl: Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah have vast areas that require extensive planning for continuity.
• Cultural Habits: Car usage remains a dominant mobility preference.
• Infrastructural Retrofitting: Older districts lack the base structure for pedestrian-first design.

Opportunities Through Smart Planning

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 promotes a diversified, health-conscious, and environmentally sustainable society. Non-motorized traffic planning is central to this vision and offers key opportunities:

• Integration with Public Transport: Building last-mile pedestrian links to bus and metro systems.
• Active Transport Corridors: Promoting "green corridors" that integrate walking, cycling, and landscaping.
• Digital Mapping & BIM Integration: Using Building Information Modeling (BIM) and GIS tools to simulate walkability upgrades and monitor outcomes.

Future Steps for Enhancing Walkability

1. Urban Audits: Conduct city-level audits for pedestrian infrastructure gaps.
2. Public Engagement: Engage citizens in co-creating walkable neighborhoods.
3. Policy Alignment: Strengthen urban policies to prioritize non-motorized transit over car-oriented planning.
4. Technological Integration: Use real-time sensors, digital maps, and IoT to enhance walkability experiences.
5. Pilot Zones: Implement walkability-focused districts as pilot projects in major cities like Riyadh, Dammam, and Makkah.

Conclusion

The shift toward walkable, human-centered cities in Saudi Arabia is more than a design challenge—it is a national priority tied to health, environment, and urban resilience. Leveraging precise geospatial tools, robust survey systems, and visionary urban planning, Saudi Arabia is poised to make great strides in creating safer, more inclusive, and walkable environments for all.

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