In the bustling commercial heart of Surabaya, a pressing issue has been gaining attention: the lack of safe pedestrian pathways along Manukan Lor Street. This congestion hotspot, teeming with vehicular traffic, has long posed risks to pedestrians and disrupted the flow of commerce. Now, a study published in the *Journal Innovation of Civil Engineering* (translated from Indonesian: *Jurnal Inovasi Teknik Sipil*) offers a data-driven solution that could reshape urban planning in the city and beyond.
Habib Yoga Kusuma, a researcher from the Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, led the charge in addressing this urban dilemma. His study, “Analysis of Pedestrian Path Width Requirements in the Manukan Lor Road Area, Surabaya City,” delves into the critical need for pedestrian infrastructure in high-traffic commercial zones. Kusuma’s work is not just about creating space for walkers; it’s about enhancing safety, improving traffic flow, and ultimately, boosting economic activity.
“Pedestrian paths are not just about convenience; they’re about creating a safer, more efficient urban environment,” Kusuma explains. His research reveals that a pedestrian path width of 1.5 meters could significantly improve conditions on Manukan Lor Street. This width, according to Kusuma’s analysis, falls into the highest level of service category (A) and minimizes low-level obstacles, ensuring smoother pedestrian movement.
The study also highlights the impact of pedestrian infrastructure on traffic performance. By implementing these pathways, the degree of saturation (Dj) increases slightly but remains within manageable levels, maintaining stable traffic flow. “This is about creating a harmonious balance between pedestrian and vehicular traffic,” Kusuma notes. “It’s a win-win for both safety and commerce.”
The implications of Kusuma’s research extend far beyond Surabaya. As urban areas worldwide grapple with increasing traffic congestion and the need for pedestrian-friendly spaces, his findings offer a blueprint for other cities. The study’s reliance on established guidelines, such as the “Sidewalk Planning Guidebook” and the “Indonesian Road Capacity Guidebook 2023,” ensures its relevance and applicability in various contexts.
For the energy sector, the ripple effects could be substantial. Efficient urban planning reduces congestion, which in turn lowers fuel consumption and emissions. By creating safer pedestrian pathways, cities can encourage walking and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to broader sustainability goals.
Kusuma’s work, published in the *Journal Innovation of Civil Engineering*, serves as a call to action for urban planners, policymakers, and business leaders. It underscores the importance of investing in pedestrian infrastructure as a means to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and stimulate economic growth. As cities continue to evolve, the lessons from Manukan Lor Street could pave the way for smarter, more sustainable urban development.