A Comparative Evaluation of Pedestrian Facilities Outside Schools: Current Conditions Against Design Guidelines

Authors

  • Naimah Osman Postgraduate Studies, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Na’asah Nasrudin Studies of Town and Regional Planning, School of Town Planning and Landscape Architecture, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia
  • Yusfida Ayu Abdullah Studies of Town and Regional Planning, School of Town Planning and Landscape Architecture, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22iSI.5457

Keywords:

Pedestrian, Pedestrian Facilities, School Zones, Design Guidelines, Pedestrian Safety

Abstract

This study assesses the condition of pedestrian facilities outside school areas by comparing the findings from site observations with established design guidelines derived from national and global practices. The research uses qualitative data from site observations conducted in five (5) primary schools in Shah Alam. School selection was based on similar socio-economic characteristics, land use, and geographical proximity. The findings indicate that the existing pedestrian facilities significantly fail to meet the requirements outlined in current design guidelines. Critical deficiencies include inadequate infrastructure, poor maintenance, and the presence of obstacles that hinder safe pedestrian movement. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a lack of proactive oversight and maintenance by the responsible authorities, exacerbating safety risks for schoolchildren and community members who use the facilities. This paper highlights the urgent need for improved design, regular maintenance, and increased investment in pedestrian infrastructure to enhance safety and accessibility around schools. Recommendations are provided to local authorities to foster a safer walking environment for children and promote active transportation within the community.

Author Biographies

Naimah Osman, Postgraduate Studies, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Naimah Osman, MSc, is a postgraduate student in the College of Built Environment at the Universiti Teknologi Mara. Her main research activity is in the area of sustainable transportation and pedestrian planning. She has published widely on these subjects in publications such as the International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Environment-Behaviour Proceedings Journal. She can be reached through her email at naimahosman.phd@gmail.com.

Na’asah Nasrudin, Studies of Town and Regional Planning, School of Town Planning and Landscape Architecture, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia

Na’asah Nasrudin, PhD, is an associate professor of town and regional planning at the College of Built Environment at the Universiti Teknologi Mara. Her main research activity is in the area of urban transportation, travel behaviour, sustainable transportation, and pedestrian planning. She has published widely on these subjects in publications such as the International Conference on Environmental Science and Development, International Conference on Science and Social Research, World Academy of Science, International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, and Journal of the Institute Planning of Malaysia. She can be reached through her email at naasa717@uitm.edu.my.

Yusfida Ayu Abdullah, Studies of Town and Regional Planning, School of Town Planning and Landscape Architecture, College of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Malaysia

"Yusfida Ayu Abdullah, PhD, is a professor of town and regional planning at the College of Built Environment at the Universiti Teknologi Mara. Her main research activity is in the area of urban and regional planning, physical planning, urban policy, and evaluation. She has published widely on these subjects in publications such as the Asia Pacific International Conference on Environment-Behaviour Studies, Asian Journal of Environment-Behaviour Studies, International Building Conference, Journal of the Institute Planning of Malaysia, and World Multidisciplinary Civil Engineering-Architecture-Urban Planning Symposium. She can be reached through her email at yusfida@uitm.edu.my."

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Published

23-08-2025

How to Cite

Osman, N., Nasrudin, N. ., & Abdullah, Y. A. . (2025). A Comparative Evaluation of Pedestrian Facilities Outside Schools: Current Conditions Against Design Guidelines. Built Environment Journal, 22(SI). https://doi.org/10.24191/bej.v22iSI.5457

Issue

Vol. 22 No. SI (2025): Built Environment Journal

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Naimah Osman, Na’asah Nasrudin, Yusfida Ayu Abdullah

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