The 15-minute city for all? – Measuring individual and temporal variations in walking accessibility

Popular concepts in urban planning, like the 15-minute city, suggest that everyday services should be accessible to everyone within “walking distance”. However, walking distance is usually considered from perspective of average person, and little effort made understand temporal (daily seasonal) variation accessibility. If our aim create inclusive cities, we also need address realities vulnerable population groups. In this study, analysed how accessibility landscapes vary temporally between groups particularly focusing on diverse older people. We hypothesised variation, especially seasonal, disproportionately influences their range mobility options. To test this, first recorded speeds Finland’s Helsinki Metropolitan Area during dry winter season. then created compared with different characteristics by integrating data seasonal speeds, diurnal activity opening hours, (residential) locations showed has largest effect study area over age-related when these variables are separately. Combined, variations can explain reductions that, worst-case scenario result only 34% having access closest grocery shop, a baseline 93%. intra-group road conditions remains large. The highlights importance considering people’s abilities, service network modelling This important for groups, such as people, who often rely running errands foot may have impaired mobility. results support spatial planners mitigate social inequalities help them promote environmentally sustainable transport.