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

Abstract

Historic districts possess significant cultural value, yet visitors with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, often encounter substantial barriers to physical access. Previous studies have highlighted a gap in the assessment of walking routes utilized by wheelchair users in these districts. Therefore, this study aims to assess the extent to which historic districts’ walking routes are physically accessible for wheelchair users in the Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia. As a method, we developed a wheelchair accessibility assessment checklist (consisting of 14 assessment indicators) to evaluate 14 walking routes in the Historic District of Jeddah, accompanied by an observation strategy (consisting of five questions) to understand wheelchair users’ behavior using these routes. Our results reveal that the walking route assessments show inconsistent accessibility for wheelchair users, with the lowest rating for the indicator of route crossing signals, followed by route connectivity, the width of wheelchair parking space, accessibility to surrounding buildings, route crossing treatment, route ramp slope, and route ramp pavement quality. These findings offer valuable insights for local authorities to improve regulations and enforce wheelchair accessibility standards, promoting social sustainability and equal access for all. It also helps to underscore the necessity of prioritizing physical accessibility in the design of urban open spaces within historic districts to improve social sustainability. Ultimately, this study offers a practical and cost-effective method for other similar cities around the world to assess wheelchair inclusion in their cultural heritage sites.

1. Introduction

Historic districts, as one form of cultural heritage sites, are invaluable resources that vividly exemplify multifaceted and historically significant cultures. These sites have rapidly become one of the most attractive destinations and a growing sector in the tourism industry [1,2,3]. However, many of these sites worldwide are not fully accessible to people with disabilities, significantly limiting their ability to explore and appreciate the historical and cultural significance of these locations [4,5].

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1% of the global population (80 million people) rely on wheelchairs for mobility. The number of wheelchair users continues to rise due to various factors such as armed conflicts, aging populations, and chronic health conditions [6]. WHO defines a wheelchair user as “a person who has difficulty in walking or cannot walk, and uses a wheelchair for their mobility” [6]. This definition encompasses individuals who may use a wheelchair full time, occasionally, or during periods of limited mobility due to health conditions [6].

To enhance the quality of life for wheelchair users, the WHO emphasizes four key principles that must be integrated into the built environment. First, it is essential to ensure access to suitable wheelchairs for individuals in need. Second, the provision of wheelchairs should be regarded as a fundamental component of health coverage. Third, wheelchair services must be made available equitably to all individuals requiring assistance regardless of their age, gender, geographical location, or any other distinguishing factors. Finally, it is crucial to actively involve wheelchair users and their representatives in all aspects of service planning, product design, policy making, and workforce training. This engagement is vital to ensure equitable and effective access to wheelchair services [6].

Ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a fundamental component of social sustainability in urban spaces and buildings [7]. The relationship between facilitating physical access for wheelchair users and social sustainability is multifaceted. Social sustainability is defined as the process of creating successful and sustainable spaces that enhance well-being by integrating the design of the physical environment with the understanding of the needs of individuals in their living, working, and recreational spaces. This process supports social amenities, fosters engagement, encourages spatial development, and enriches social and cultural life [8]. Therefore, the emphasis on improving physical accessibility for wheelchair users as a means to promote social sustainability has been highlighted in various contexts within built environments [7].

In the tourism sector, several initiatives have been proposed to enhance accessibility and promote social sustainability for people with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users. Notable examples include the Bali Declaration on Barrier-Free Tourism for People with Disabilities (2000) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (2006) [9], both of which aim to promote, protect, and reaffirm the rights and opportunities of individuals with disabilities. These initiatives have led to a significant body of scientific research and the development of various policies, standards, principles, and guidelines, such as the recent Wheelchair Provision Guidelines [6].

Additionally, concepts such as “accessible tourism” and “universal design” have emerged to address the accessibility needs of a diverse population, including wheelchair users. Studies indicate that implementing universal design enables individuals with physical disabilities to navigate urban spaces and tourist sites independently [10,11,12]. While many cities in developed countries have successfully adopted universal design strategies to make their public spaces and historic districts accessible, other nations continue to lag in these important efforts.

In Saudi Arabia, approximately 7.1% of the population lives with some form of disability, with mobility, physical, and visual impairments being the most prevalent categories [13]. The Saudi Disability Welfare Law defines individuals with disabilities as “any person suffering from a permanent, total, or partial impairment affecting their senses, physical, mental, communicative, learning, or psychological abilities to an extent that reduces their ability to perform daily activities compared to a non-disabled person” [14]. The Saudi government has ratified the United Nations (UN) convention and established laws, programs, and guidelines to protect and support the rights of persons with disabilities, including those who rely on wheelchairs, as stated in Article 27 of the Basic Law and Royal Decree No. M/37 of 2000.

As part of its “Vision 2023” initiative, the Saudi government is committed to achieving sustainable development across all sectors, including tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage landscapes. Significant strides have been made in protecting and promoting the country’s historical, cultural, and natural sites. This includes eight locations inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with at least fourteen additional sites currently on the tentative list. To further stimulate tourism and attract a diverse range of visitors, including wheelchair users, the government recently introduced a new tourist visa program. Furthermore, a Higher Council for Tourism has been established to enhance the tourism sector by implementing regulations and upgrading services at cultural and historical sites to meet the needs of both domestic and international tourists, including those with disabilities.

To improve the accessibility in Saudi Arabia, the King Salman Center for Disability Research published the guidelines called “Universal Accessibility Guidelines.” These guidelines cover four areas, including the built environment, land transportation, marine transportation, and destinations and accommodations, including tourism sites [15]. They provide general and technical guidelines for establishing universal accessibility measures tailored to the needs of individuals with disabilities, particularly those who rely on wheelchairs. However, the guidelines for universal accessibility do not specifically address guidelines for historic districts, where limitations imposed on construction and adaptation form the major challenges to improving accessibility.

Additionally, the enforcement of accessibility standards within the Saudi urban context lacks adequate documentation and evaluation. Studies on disability and wheelchair users in Saudi Arabia are limited and mostly focus on the medical aspects [16]. Therefore, this study aims to assess the extent to which walking routes at historic districts are physically accessible and practical for wheelchair users in the Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Saudi Arabia. This study contributes to ongoing efforts to overcome accessibility challenges in public spaces that involve heritage sites and tourist areas. The findings can inform policies, design guidelines, and best practices to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of heritage sites and urban areas.

2. Literature Review

Public spaces serve as venues for social and cultural interactions that greatly impact the quality of life of an individual. Therefore, these spaces should be designed to ensure equal opportunities for all members of society [17]. There is a growing body of literature indicating that individuals who rely on wheelchairs for mobility face various social, urban, and environmental challenges, including physical barriers and inadequate accessibility to public spaces [18,19]. Many cities globally lack appropriate accessibility infrastructure that enables wheelchair users to access services and participate in activities [20,21]. Consequently, wheelchair users are often unable to fully exercise their rights to access and enjoy urban public spaces [22].

Previous studies have demonstrated that people with disabilities are at a higher risk of experiencing mental distress [23]. For instance, studies indicate that individuals with physical disabilities are more likely to exhibit signs of depression [24]. Furthermore, another study revealed that people with disabilities experience depression and anxiety due to the isolation they encounter [25]. These mental health issues significantly affect the quality of life of disabled individuals, undermining their sense of security, physical well-being, and emotional well-being.

Accessibility and inclusivity are critical in the preservation and enjoyment of cultural heritage sites and public spaces, which offer visitors unique cultural, educational, entertainment, and authentic experiences [26,27]. For instance, Beale et al. [28] developed a geographic information system (GIS) network model to create accessibility maps tailored to wheelchair users in urban areas. The study employed methods such as Digital Elevation Models and field surveys to identify and quantify navigation barriers, such as slope and surface type, which are more challenging for wheelchair users compared to able-bodied pedestrians. The key outcome was a GIS application with a user-friendly interface that defines and calculates accessible routes, which could assist both new and existing users and help urban planners design more inclusive environments.

Evcil [29] examined the experiences of wheelchair users at the Sultanahmet Square heritage site in Istanbul, Turkey. A questionnaire-based study found that this popular tourist attraction was insufficiently equipped to accommodate wheelchair users, highlighting the need to raise awareness of accessibility constraints among designers and service providers in the tourism industry. The study emphasized that applying universal design principles could lead to better design solutions.

Baris and Uslu [30] investigated the accessibility of the built environment for disabled individuals living in Ankara, Turkey, and their challenges in participating in urban activities. The study focused on visually impaired, walking-impaired, and wheelchair-dependent individuals. The researchers used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including document analysis, interviews, observations, and questionnaires. The findings indicated that people with disabilities in Ankara face significant physical barriers that limit their independent movement and social engagement, leading to feelings of exclusion. These results are expected to raise social awareness and guide efforts to enhance equal participation in urban life for disabled individuals in Ankara.

More recently, Bakhsh et al. [31] evaluated the feasibility of the Path Environment Audit Tool (PEAT) and explored wheelchair accessibility in five public parks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This descriptive study assessed the process, resources, and management aspects of the PEAT measure. The researchers used eight of the thirty-six indicators of the PEAT to evaluate wheelchair accessibility features, including path characteristics, obstacles, safety considerations, and amenities across the five parks. The results showed that while PEAT was user friendly, the audits were time consuming. The analysis identified positive features, such as adequate bollard and gate clearance, and variable aspects, such as path slope and surface condition, which could impact wheelchair accessibility and physical activity participation. This study offers valuable insights into wheelchair accessibility in public parks in Saudi Arabia and can inform future large-scale studies and environmental modifications to promote physical activity for wheelchair users.

Table 1. Previous accessibility assessment studies for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, in cultural heritage sites and other urban settings.

Study Location	Objectives	Methods	Study
Dar es Salam, Tanzania	Assess accessibility barriers	Qualitative case study approach In-depth interviews Observation	Lwoga and Mapunda [32]
Jantar Mantar, Jaipur, India	Assess accessibility and user experience	Accessibility audit checklist User involvement Evaluation Innovative design solutions	Vardia et al. [33]
Maspalomas Costa Canaria, Spain	Assess accessibility for people with physical disabilities in urban coastal destinations	ArcGIS network analyst	Santana et al. [34]
Maribor, Slovenia Pułtusk, Poland	Access disability inclusion performance in cities	Disability Inclusion Evaluation Tool (DIETool) Disability inclusion performance index (DIPI)	Rebernik et al. [35]
Murcia, Spain	Design and implement an accessibility assessment tool in heritage buildings	Accessibility analysis tool	Marín-Nicolás and Sáez-Pérez [36]
Yogyakarta, Indonesia	Assess accessibility in urban and cultural heritage sites	Qualitative descriptive approach Literature review Observation Documentation	Budiatiningsih et al. [37]
Krakow, Poland	Assess accessibility in museums; museum website accessibility	Interviews Standardized Questionnaire	Kruczek et al. [38]

summarizes the previous studies on wheelchair users’ accessibility in different urban settings.

Previous studies highlight the growing recognition of the importance of accessibility for people with disabilities at cultural heritage sites. However, these studies reveal several limitations that need to be addressed to ensure equitable access and participation for wheelchair users in historic districts. One specific limitation is the lack of comprehensive assessments that consider the entire walking route, from the designated wheelchair parking to the desired destination. Furthermore, there is a dearth of measurable tools to assess multiple indicators along the route, including crossing points, access to surrounding buildings, and the quality of route surfaces and ramps. They also did not investigate wheelchair users’ behavior while using walking routes to highlight the actual level of accessibility. Therefore, this study develops a method for comprehensively evaluating existing walking infrastructure used by wheelchair users and applies it to assess several walking routes within a historic district in Saudi Arabia.

3. Materials and Methods

3.1. Study Area and the Selection of Wheelchair Routes

We selected Historic Jeddah as the study location due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014. Situated south of the modern city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the site covers an area of one square kilometer. Following its inscription, the city administration, in collaboration with the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), initiated extensive conservation and enhancement projects within the Jeddah Historic Center. These efforts included improving public spaces to make them more walkable and accessible for all users. Additionally, the city has begun hosting an annual event, the Historic Jeddah Festival, which has become a significant tourist attraction during the Jeddah Season. As a result, the number of visitors to Jeddah city has significantly increased, with over six million domestic and international tourists attending the Jeddah Season in 2022, according to the Saudi Press Agency [39].

In this study, we focused on identifying wheelchair-accessible routes within the Jeddah Historic District, beginning with direct observations to locate designated wheelchair parking spaces, marked by accessibility signs. We identified a total of 16 parking spaces throughout the district, located both on streets and in parking lots. We used Google Maps, with the wheelchair accessibility option enabled, to determine the shortest routes for wheelchair users based on the existing walking infrastructure. We mapped these routes from the designated wheelchair parking spaces to the Jeddah Historic Center, specifically targeting the Nassif Museum as a key destination. For routes that overlapped, alternative paths suggested by Google Maps (an open-source data application) were selected to ensure a comprehensive assessment. However, we excluded two of the sixteen parking spaces with their routes from the study due to their redundancy with other routes, which would have made their assessment unnecessary. Here, we employed Google Maps to select the most appropriate routes, as predicting the exact paths taken by wheelchair users was challenging. Figure 1 illustrates the 14 selected walking routes for assessment. Each walking route starts from a wheelchair designated parking space and crosses through several sidewalks and pedestrian streets (car-free zones) before reaching the center of the Jeddah Historical District. Figure 2 shows one of the fourteen locations of the wheelchair user parking spaces and the center of the Jeddah Historic District. Detailed information on the 14 walking routes is presented in

Table 2. Details of the 14 walking routes selected for wheelchair users in this study.

Walking Route	Length (Meters) *	Required Time (Minutes) *	Street Side (Toward the Historical Center) **	Coordinates
R1	1200	18	Right	21°29′28.1″ N 39°11′07.8″ E
R2	1300	20	Left	21°29′30.3″ N 39°11′07.9″ E
R3	500	07	Left	21°28′53.0″ N 39°11′20.6″ E
R4	350	05	Left	21°28′55.3″ N 39°11′19.8″ E
R5	800	11	Right	21°28′53.0″ N 39°11′00.7″ E
R6	700	10	Left	21°28′57.4″ N 39°11′00.5″ E
R7	350	05	Right	21°28′57.8″ N 39°11′07.4″ E
R8	350	05	Left	21°28′56.7″ N 39°11′08.7″ E
R9	350	05	Left	21°28′54.5″ N 39°11′13.4″ E
R10	350	05	Right	21°29′09.8″ N 39°11′08.0″ E
R11	750	11	Right	21°29′19.9″ N 39°11′05.0″ E
R12	850	13	Left	21°29′15.1″ N 39°10′56.8″ E
R13	1000	14	Right	21°29′22.6″ N 39°11′00.7″ E
R14	750	11	Right	21°29′16.3″ N 39°11′06.2″ E

* Length measured using Google Maps application. ** indicates the sidewalk side of the street that was assessed.

.

3.2. Developing a Wheelchair Accessibility Checklist

Employing observations as a descriptive research method can yield valuable insights by systematically recording and collecting information at a specific site or area. Observations are particularly effective for understanding how designed spaces are utilized, their characteristics, and their overall performance [40]. In this study, we adopted an observational approach to assess the 14 routes proposed by Google Maps for wheelchair users in the Jeddah Historic District.

We reviewed various international wheelchair mobility standards and walkability tools, as wheelchair users primarily rely on walking infrastructure. Based on this review, we developed a Wheelchair Accessibility Checklist (WAC), featuring 14 indicators to thoroughly and consistently assess the selected routes through direct observations. The WAC includes the following indicators: the pavement quality of the wheelchair user parking space, the width of the wheelchair user parking space, route connectivity, route crossing treatment, route crossing signals, route width, route surface slope, route pavement type, route pavement quality, route physical obstacles, route ramp slope, route ramp width, route ramp pavement quality, and accessibility to the surrounding buildings.

Table 3. The 14 indicators according to the Wheelchair Accessibility Checklist developed in this study.

Indicators		Description
1	Pavement quality of wheelchair user parking space	Evaluated whether the parking surface was suitable for mobility and free from cracks, potholes, or breaks that could hinder wheelchair safety and accessibility. In other words, it investigates if wheelchair users can move safely and comfortably after leaving their cars and reach the parking surface before moving to nearby sidewalks.
2	Width of wheelchair user parking space	Investigated if the parking space met the minimum width standard of 3.6 m, as recommended by the United Nations [41]. It ensures wheelchair users have sufficient space to exit and enter their cars or move to nearby sidewalks.
3	Route connectivity	Examined the number of level changes without appropriate ramps along the selected walking route, from the designated wheelchair parking space to the historic center, that lacked appropriate ramps. This was determined by counting instances where a wheelchair user would need to move down to the street surface or up to the walking area but was unable to do so due to the unavailability of a curb ramp, a curb ramp that did not transition smoothly to the street surface, the absence of a ramp between different levels on a pedestrian-only street, or a missing segment of the walking route. Each such occurrence was counted as a missing point. This indicator is important in ensuring that all the walking route segments are well connected to each other. This is because wheelchair users will use street lanes instead if such connectivity is missing, thus putting their safety at risk in traffic. Well-connected walking routes can also enhance wheelchair users’ comfort while moving alone or with accompanying persons.
4	Route ramp slope	Investigated whether existing ramps along the walking route met the minimum design standard of 1:10 m, facilitating mobility as recommended by the US Access Board [42]. This is because ramps with steeper slopes pose hazards to wheelchair users. They increase the risk of a wheelchair rolling or tipping backward. In this case, wheelchair users will avoid such unsafe ramps, particularly if they are not receiving support from accompanying persons. Thus, avoiding these ramps may limit wheelchair users’ accessibility to some areas in historic districts that may be considered important to reach.
5	Route ramp width	Checked if all available access ramps adhered to the minimum width standard of 0.90 cm (excluding protective edges or handrails) as recommended by the United Nations [41]. Checking the route ramp width is perceived as important. Ramps with less than 0.90 cm can pose hazards to wheelchair users, increasing the risk of falling from the ramp sides if they do not include handrails. In case ramps are narrow but include handrails or protective edges, they will not be accessible to some users with larger wheelchair widths.
6	Route ramp pavement quality	Assessed the surface quality of ramps, ensuring they were safe and appropriate for mobility by checking for breaks, potholes, or cracks. Ramps with poor pavement qualities may be considered difficult to use while moving from a lower area to a higher one. They can also pose a fall risk for wheelchair users, particularly when they move from a high point to a lower one.
7	Route crossing treatment	Investigated the number of crossing points where a route intersects with streets or service lanes without special pavement treatments or crossing signs for wheelchair safety. This is because crossing points with appropriate treatments can visually inform drivers that these spots are designated areas for pedestrians crossing, including wheelchair users; thus, they have to be cautious while driving through them.
8	Route crossing signals	Assessed the number of street crossings along a route that lacked pedestrian crossing signals. Crossing signals featuring pedestrians and/or wheelchair users, which can be controlled by a pedestrian push-button system, are seen as important as they can increase safety while crossing. They prioritize pedestrians and wheelchair users over drivers by not letting them wait long when they reach crossing areas.
9	Route width	Investigated whether the selected route required wheelchair users to use street lanes due to the unavailability of car-free zones or insufficient sidewalk width, measured against the recommended minimum of 1.50 m for two-way wheelchair traffic by the United Nations [41]. Here, a narrow sidewalk width forces wheelchair users to use street lanes, which can pose a traffic risk to them.
10	Route surface slope	Inspected if the surface slope of the walking route was appropriate (≥1:12) for wheelchair users. This is another important aspect that can affect the mobility of wheelchair users. Walking routes with steep slopes can pose a high risk of rolling backward for such a group of users. Therefore, historic districts with steep slope areas will prevent such users from accessing them.
11	Route pavement type	Assessed the material used for the walking route surface to ensure ease of movement and stability for wheelchair users. This is because routes with rough surfaces can cause harmful vibrations and discomfort for wheelchair users while moving on them.
12	Route pavement quality	Evaluated the surface quality of the walking route, ensuring it was free of breaks, potholes, or cracks that could impede wheelchair movement or lead to fall risk.
13	Route physical obstacles	Inspected any permanent vertical obstacles along the walking route, such as tree pits, fire hydrants, signage posts, or lighting poles, that could reduce the route’s width and hinder mobility. This is because a decrease in the route’s width will lead to the use of street lanes, posing a traffic risk to wheelchair users. Physical obstacles can also prevent wheelchair users from reaching their preferred destinations if they are present in narrow pedestrian street (car-free zones) segments.
14	Accessibility to surrounding buildings	Examined the availability of accessible entrances that allow wheelchair users to move safely and comfortably from the route into adjacent buildings, such as museums, shops, galleries, or mosques. Entrances level with the walking route were considered accessible. The importance of this indicator is seen in that historic districts with poor wheelchair user accessibility to surrounding buildings can deprive them of the positive experiences and activities that occur inside these places and thus reduce their social inclusion.

presents a detailed explanation of each indicator, while

Table 4. Levels of the 14 indicators used in the Wheelchair Accessibility Checklist (WAC) developed for this study.

Indicators		Level
		0 Points	1 Point	2 Points	3 Points	4 Points
1	Pavement quality of wheelchair user parking space	Not appropriate	-	-	-	Appropriate
2	Width of wheelchair user parking space	Below standard	-	-	-	Meets minimum standard
3	Route connectivity	Not connected at four or more points	Not connected at three points	Not connected at two points	Not connected at one point	Completely connected
4	Route ramp slope	Ramps not provided	All < 1:10 m	Some ≥ 1:10 m	Most ≥ 1:10 m	All ramps ≥ 1:10 m slope OR not required
5	Route ramp width	Ramps not provided	All < 0.90 cm	Some ≥ 0.90 cm	Most ≥ 0.90 cm	All ramps ≥ 0.90 cm width OR not required
6	Route ramp pavement quality	Ramps not provided	All in poor condition	Some in good condition	Mostly in good condition	All in good condition OR not required
7	Route crossing treatment	All without crossing treatments	Few with treatments	Some with treatments	Most with treatments	All with crossing treatmentsOR not required
8	Route crossing signals	Not available	Few with signals	Some with signals	Most with signals	All crossings with signals OR not required
9	Route width	Almost all parts < 1.5 m	Few parts <1.5 m	Some parts <1.5 m	Most parts >1.5 m	Entire route > 1.5 m width
10	Route surface slope	All parts < 1:12 m	Few parts ≥1:12 m	Some parts ≥1:12 m	Most parts ≥1:12 m	Entire route ≥1:12 m
11	Route pavement type	Not appropriate at all	Appropriate in a few areas	Appropriate in some areas	Appropriate in most areas	Appropriate throughout the route
12	Route pavement quality *	>6 pavement issues	5–6 pavement issues	3–4 pavement issues	1–2 pavement issues	No pavement issues
13	Route physical obstacles *	>6 obstacles	5–6 obstacles	3–4 obstacles	1–2 obstacles	No obstacles
14	Accessibility to surrounding buildings	No accessibility	Few accessible	Some accessible	Most accessible	Fully accessible

* measured in segments every 50 m.

illustrates the assessment levels of each indicator.

We evaluated the 14 WAC indicators using two-point and five-point scales, which provided precision in selecting the most appropriate rating for each indicator. This research approach has been validated by previous studies and audit tools focused on walkability and physical accessibility in various settings [43,44,45].

3.3. Overall Accessibility Rating and Route Analysis

Each route’s overall accessibility rating represents the average of the 14 indicators developed to assess the walking route connecting designated wheelchair parking with the center of Historic Jeddah. We calculated the rating using the following equation:

Mean of walking route rating = [I₁ + I₂ + I₃ +,…,+ I_n]/n

where I₁, I₂, I₃, … I_n are the respective assessment scores of the first, second, third, and last indicators in the WAC, and n is the total number of indicators (14 in WAC).

The analysis focused on identifying the highest and lowest ratings among the 14 indicators. Ratings were categorized as follows: any rating < 2 was classified as very low, a rating ≥ 2 and <3 as low, a rating ≥ 3 and <3.5 as intermediate, and a rating > 3.5 as high. This rating classification aims to highlight indicators that did not meet the minimum standards, thereby emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-quality accessibility for users.

3.4. Understanding Wheelchair Users’ Behaviors

We studied the behaviors of 15 wheelchair users throughout the study area while assessing the selected walking routes. As sampling criteria, we included all the wheelchair users (n = 15) who were located using one or more of the 14 walking routes with accompanying persons or alone during the fieldwork conducted on Saturday, 28 December 2024, during nighttime and fine weather. The selection of the entire number of wheelchair users made our sample unbiased regarding age, gender, or ethnicity.

As a procedure, we used five investigation questions to understand wheelchair users’ behavior and whether the current infrastructure of walking routes enhances their mobility. These questions included the following: (1) Was the wheelchair user using the street sidewalk, street lane, or pedestrian street while moving? (2) Was the wheelchair user receiving support from an accompanying person? (3) Did the wheelchair user recently switch from using the walking route (sidewalks or pedestrian streets) to moving along the street lane or vice versa for the next 20 m or less? (4) What issues related to the walking route may have prevented the wheelchair user from using it and continuing along the street lane? (5) Could the wheelchair user easily access the surrounding buildings where they were observed?

The authors of this study investigated these five questions through the direct observations of wheelchair users without conducting interviews. Observations were conducted from a distance to ensure wheelchair users’ privacy was respected and their mobility decisions were not influenced or interrupted. Figure 3 summarizes the methodology employed in this study.

4. Results

4.1. Wheelchair Accessibility Checklist (WAC) Indicator Ratings

Table 5. Ratings for the 14 indicators of the Wheelchair Accessibility Checklist (WAC) across the 14 walking routes for wheelchair users.

Indicator		Walking Routes
		R.1	R.2	R.3	R.4	R.5	R.6	R.7	R.8	R.9	R.10	R.11	R.12	R.13	R.14
I.1	Pavement quality of wheelchair user parking space	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
I.2	Width of wheelchair user parking space	0	0	0	0	4	4	0	4	0	4	0	4	0	0
I.3	Route connectivity	0	1	0	0	0	3	3	4	0	2	1	0	1	1
I.4	Route ramp slope	3	4	0	0	3	4	3	1	4	0	1	2	1	4
I.5	Route ramp width	3	4	0	0	3	4	4	4	4	0	3	2	2	4
I.6	Route ramp pavement quality	4	4	0	0	3	4	4	2	4	0	2	2	2	2
I.7	Route crossing treatment	1	2	3	4	2	4	2	4	3	0	0	1	0	3
I.8	Route crossing signals	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
I.9	Route width	1	3	3	3	3	4	3	4	3	3	3	2	2	4
I.10	Route surface slope	4	3	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	4	2	4	2	4
I.11	Route pavement type	3	3	1	1	4	4	4	4	2	4	4	2	3	4
I.12	Route pavement quality	3.6	3.8	3.6	3.4	3.3	4	3.4	3.4	3.4	4	3.2	3.5	3.6	3.5
I.13	Route physical obstacles	3.8	4	4	4	3.8	4	3.4	4	3.8	3.4	3.7	3.5	3.5	4
I.14	Accessibility to surrounding buildings	1	1	0	0	2	3	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	2
Mean (average rating out of 4)		2.2	2.6	1.6	1.7	2.8	3.6	2.8	3.2	2.7	2.1	2.0	2.2	1.8	2.8
Rating classification *		L	L	V	V	L	H	L	M	L	L	L	L	V	L

* V: very low; L: low; M: moderate; H: high.

summarizes the ratings for the 14 WAC indicators across the 14 walking routes evaluated in this study for wheelchair users, while

Table 6. Statistical analysis of the 14 indicators in the Wheelchair Accessibility Checklist (WAC) across the 14 walking routes for wheelchair users.

Indicator		14 Walking Routes
		Mean (out of 4)	Percentage	Rating Classification	Mode (out of 4)
I.1	Pavement quality of wheelchair user parking space	4.0	100%	High	4
I.2	Width of wheelchair user parking space	1.4	35%	Very low	0
I.3	Route connectivity	1.1	27.5%	Very low	0
I.4	Route ramp slope	2.1	52.5%	Low	4
I.5	Route ramp width	2.6	65%	Low	4
I.6	Route ramp pavement quality	2.4	60%	Low	4
I.7	Route crossing treatment	2.1	52.5%	Low	2
I.8	Route crossing signals	0.0	0.0%	Very low	0
I.9	Route width	2.9	72.5%	Low	3
I.10	Route surface slope	3.6	90%	High	4
I.11	Route pavement type	3.1	77.5%	Intermediate	4
I.12	Route pavement quality	3.6	90%	High	3.4
I.13	Route physical obstacles	3.8	95%	High	4
I.14	Accessibility to surrounding buildings	1.4	35%	Very low	1

presents the statistical analysis of each WAC indicator across the 14 walking routes.

Table 7. Summary of findings of direct observations for understanding wheelchair users using the selected walking routes.

n	Wheelchair User Location	The Five Investigation Questions for Understanding Wheelchair Users’ Behavior
		1. Was the Wheelchair User Using the Street Sidewalk, Street Lane, or Pedestrian Street While Moving?	2. Was the Wheelchair User Receiving Support from an Accompanying Person?	3. Did the Wheelchair User Recently Switch from Using the Walking Route (Sidewalks or Pedestrian Streets) to Moving Along the Street Lane or Vice Versa for the Next 20 m or Less?	4. What Issues Related to the Walking Route May Have Prevented the Wheelchair User from Using It and Continuing Along the Street Lane?	5. Could the Wheelchair User Easily Access the Surrounding Buildings Where They Were Observed?
1	Moving on Route 1	Pedestrian street	Yes	Continued on the pedestrian street	Not applicable	All not accessible
2	Moving on a shared area of routes	Pedestrian street	Yes	Continued on the pedestrian street	Not applicable	All not accessible
3	Moving on a shared area of routes	Pedestrian street	Yes	Continued on the pedestrian street	Not applicable	Mostly not accessible
4	Moving on a shared area of routes	Pedestrian street	Yes	Continued on the pedestrian street	Not applicable	Mostly not accessible
5	Moving on Route 7	Sidewalk	Yes	Moved toward the pedestrian street	Not applicable	Mostly not accessible
6	Moving on a shared area of routes	Pedestrian street	Yes	Continued on the pedestrian street	Not applicable	All accessible
7	Moving on Route 12	Sidewalk	Yes	Moved toward the pedestrian street	Not applicable	All not accessible
8	Moving on a shared area of routes	Pedestrian street	Yes	Continued on the pedestrian street	Not applicable	All not accessible
9	Moving on a shared area of routes	Pedestrian street	Yes	Continued on the pedestrian street	Not applicable	All not accessible
10	Moving on Route 14	Sidewalk	No	Stopped (relaxing) on the sidewalk	Not applicable	All not accessible
11	Moving on Route 5	Street lane	Yes	Continued on the street lane	Narrow sidewalkPresence of vertical obstacles on the sidewalkLacks curb ramps	All not accessible
12	Moving on Route 5	Street lane	Yes	Continued on the street lane	Blocked sidewalk with vertical obstaclesRough sidewalk paving materialLacks curb ramps	All not accessible
13	Moving on Route 6	Street lane	Yes	Continued on the street lane	Lacks curb ramps	All not accessible
14	Moving on Route 5	Street lane	Yes	Convert to sidewalk	Lacks curb ramps	All not accessible
15	Moving on Route 5	Street lane	Yes	Continued on the street lane	Lacks curb rampsPresence of narrow sidewalk	All not accessible

illustrates the findings from direct observations aimed at understanding the behaviors of 15 wheelchair users while utilizing the walking routes, whereas Figure 4 shows the locations of the observed wheelchair users. Figure 5 compares the total average rating of the 14 routes, while Figure 6 illustrates the average rating of the 14 WAC indicators.

Our analysis revealed significant variability in accessibility across the 14 routes, with most routes scoring relatively low. Route 6 achieved the highest overall rating, scoring 3.6 out of 4, whereas Route 3 received the lowest rating of 1.6 out of 4. Among the 14 WAC indicators, the highest rating was for the pavement quality of the wheelchair user parking space with a perfect score of 4 out of 4, followed closely by the rating for physical obstacles on routes at 3.8 out of 4. Conversely, route crossing signals received the lowest rating, 0 out of 4, followed by route connectivity, with a rating of 1.1 out of 4.

Our observations of the 15 wheelchair users revealed that 7 out of 15 were spotted in the pedestrian streets (car-free zones) of the Jeddah Historic District, while 8 out of 15 were observed moving along the district streets. Here, more than half (five out of eight) of the wheelchair users recorded in the streets of the Jeddah Historic District were using street lanes instead of sidewalks. This was due to persistent barriers such as the absence of curb ramps, narrow sidewalks, and the presence of vertical obstacles on sidewalks (e.g., lamp posts, signs, etc.). Moreover, most observed wheelchair users (14 out of 15) depended on accompanying persons, indicating a systemic reliance on assistance to navigate public spaces. Lastly, physical accessibility to surrounding buildings was considered a significant issue, as 12 wheelchair users out of 15 were recorded in completely inaccessible surroundings. Even the other wheelchair users (3 out of 15) were also recorded in mostly inaccessible surroundings.

4.2. Descriptive Analysis

Direct observations during the assessment of the 14 walking routes proposed for wheelchair users by Google Maps in the Jeddah Historic District identified three primary zones in the journey from designated parking spaces to the historic center: (1) moving along sidewalks or street lanes, or both; (2) crossing streets, service lanes, or both; (3) moving along car-free pedestrian streets.

The analysis revealed several accessibility issues with the proposed walking routes for wheelchair users. A significant issue was found with route crossing signals (I.8), which received the lowest rating of 0%. Pecchini and Giuliani [46] noted that crossing streets is more arduous for wheelchair users compared with people who have other disabilities. The absence of crossing signals, crucial for alerting drivers from a distance and providing wheelchair users sufficient time to cross safely [47], poses a serious safety risk as users navigate curb ramps and cross streets or service lanes. This challenge is exacerbated by the low rating of route crossing treatment (I.7) at 52.5%, highlighting the inadequacy of safety features necessary for creating secure pathways for wheelchair users [48].

Another major issue identified was route connectivity (I.3), which received a very low rating of 27.5%. Connectivity issues were recorded in seven main forms: (1) the availability of a single curb ramp on a sidewalk crossed by a service lane, preventing further movement; (2) the unavailability of curb ramps at both ends of a sidewalk separated by a service lane; (3) the absence of curb ramps at main crossing points; (4) dysfunctional curb ramps where the lower part is not flush with the street surface; (5) poorly implemented curb ramps that are not safe to use; (6) the blockage of sidewalks with vertical obstacles; (7) the changing of the sidewalk’s width to the level where it becomes difficult to pass a wheelchair user (Figure 7). These connectivity issues significantly impede the ease of movement along sidewalks [49], forcing wheelchair users, as recorded in the case n 11–15 (Table 7), to use street lanes, which increases the risk of traffic injuries (Figure 8 and Figure 9). Furthermore, route ramp slopes (I.4) obtained a low rating of 52.5%, indicating that half of the ramps, including curb ramps, are not designed to ease mobility. Therefore, even routes with appropriate connectivity, such as R.8, are impacted by inappropriate ramp slopes. This situation can force wheelchair users to navigate street lanes instead of sidewalks if they do not receive support from an accompanying person. Furthermore, the low ratings for route ramp pavement quality (I.6) and route ramp width (I.5) at 60% and 65%, respectively, further exacerbate accessibility issues (Figure 10).

The route width indicator (I.9) in the Jeddah Historic District received a low rating of 72.5%. To ensure a safe and comfortable route for pedestrians and wheelchair users, a minimum width of 1.5 m is recommended [41]. However, assessments revealed inconsistencies in the path width; some areas exceed 3 m, while others narrow to less than 1 m, which prevents wheelchair users from utilizing them as recorded in the case n 11 (Table 7). Additionally, even where the width meets accessibility standards, sidewalk vertical obstacles, such as street lighting posts and sign poles, and the placement of construction fences on segments of sidewalks, force wheelchair users to use street lanes (Figure 11).

The inaccessibility to surrounding buildings is also concerning. The accessibility to surrounding buildings indicator (I.14) received a very low rating of 35%, as entering most of the historical district buildings and retail shops relies on stairs. This study recorded 11 out of 15 wheelchair users (Table 7) who did not have physical access to the surrounding buildings where they were spotted. Here, some wheelchair users were recorded waiting outside of the retail shops on the ground floor of the surrounding buildings while their accompanying relatives enjoyed shopping and engaging in other activities that happened inside. The inaccessibility issue minimized wheelchair users’ interactions with activities that occurred inside the surrounding buildings. According to the WHO [9], urban areas that rely solely on stairs and escalators are not considered accessible. The issue with building physical access to the Jeddah Historic District generally manifests in two cases: (1) entrances with a single step and (2) entrances with two or more steps. While the first case can often be managed with the help of an accompanying person who lifts the wheelchair over the step, this becomes challenging when multiple steps are involved or when the step exceeds the recommended maximum standard of 15 cm (Figure 12).

Another concern is the inadequate width of wheelchair user parking spaces (I.2), which also received a very low rating of 35%. Direct observations indicated that the current standard varies, with widths ranging from a minimum of 3.6 m to below the standard at 2.9 m in 9 out of 14 parking spaces. The lack of adherence to minimum width requirements makes these spaces difficult to use, particularly when getting in or out of a car, leading some wheelchair users to avoid these facilities as noticed during the assessment.

Although the accessibility assessment indicates that Historic Jeddah is not fully accessible to wheelchair users, it is important to recognize some best practices observed at the site. Several mosques and public restrooms within Historic Jeddah are equipped with accessibility ramps that meet appropriate standards. The pavement on some major routes is suitable for wheelchair users, and a few crossing areas are equipped with curb ramps, crossing marks, and signs. Additionally, few commercial buildings are accessible to wheelchair users through ramps or, in some cases, by removing the stairs and making the floor on the same level as the pathway (Figure 13).

5. Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the significant limitations in accessibility within the walking routes of the Jeddah Historic District, a culturally significant heritage site, for wheelchair users. The study reveals that the poor accessibility of walking routes can greatly hinder the mobility of wheelchair-bound visitors, adversely affecting their social sustainability. This study identifies several critical issues, including inconsistencies in parking space width standards, a lack of route connectivity, the poor implementation of proper ramp slope, ramp width, and pavement quality, the absence of crossing treatments and signals, narrow route widths, and poor accessibility to surrounding buildings. These issues result in impractical and unsafe physical access.

This study method extends the literature on wheelchair route assessments, particularly focusing on the journey from designated parking spaces to desired destinations. Such assessments are essential, as a wheelchair trip, similar to a walking trip, typically begins from a parking area and extends to the final destination, particularly in cities with ineffective public transportation systems. While previous studies [30,31,37] focused on certain aspects of accessibility, they did not provide a comprehensive assessment or rating for the entire route used by wheelchair users. This study addresses this gap by applying a method that includes two research strategies. First, it develops the WAC, which includes 14 indicators to systematically assess and rate accessibility across four key physical components utilized by wheelchair users during their trip—from parking to reaching the Jeddah Historic Center. The four components include the following: (1) accessibility of wheelchair parking; (2) accessibility of walking routes; (3) accessibility of crossing areas; (4) accessibility to surrounding buildings. Second, it investigates wheelchair users’ behavior while using the walking routes through a direct observation strategy to understand if these routes are practical and ease their mobility. It is a step to validate the results that are produced by the assessment of the 14 indicators.

Compared with other assessment methods, as indicated previously, WAC is designed to include 14 assessment indicators to assess only the physical accessibility of walking routes that wheelchair users use during their mobility trips from designated parking spaces to any desirable destinations in historic centers. In contrast, the PEAT assessing method [31], for example, includes 36 items to assess the suitability of walking paths for different activities and users. Compared to WAC, the PEAT was not created to assess mobility trips from one destination to another. Although the PEAT is comprehensive, it is considered time consuming compared with WAC, which is a focused, practical, and easy-to-use tool. WAC is also distinguished from PEAT by including the assessment of wheelchair users’ accessibility to surrounding buildings. WAC can also provide an overall rating for its 14 indicators, which is a useful index for comparisons. Additionally, WAC can be considered a cost-effective, practical, and easy-to-use method compared to GIS-based tools. This is because the latter requires intensive training and special personnel to deal with advanced technical applications.

To achieve “universal accessibility” standards, designated wheelchair parking must be situated near accessible and well-maintained walking infrastructure to ensure safe and comfortable access. For example, wheelchair users intending to park in spaces linked to routes R.3, R.4, and R.13—which received very low ratings (1.6, 1.7, and 1.8 out of 4, respectively)—may find it challenging to reach destinations further within the historic district. This issue could either deter these users from visiting the historical destination altogether or lead to increased cruising behavior in search of closer parking, thereby exacerbating traffic congestion and CO2 emissions, and creating an unhealthy environment [45,50]. Such an increase in air pollution could deteriorate building facades and significantly shorten the lifespan of building materials [51], further affecting Jeddah’s historic buildings, which are already experiencing physical degradation.

Another essential factor in achieving “barrier-free movement” for effective wheelchair accessibility is ensuring total connectivity, meaning that the walking route network should be free from any segments that impede a wheelchair user’s mobility. A key element of connectivity is the availability of a properly designed ramp system, with satisfactory slope, width, and surface quality. This study found that some segments in walking routes such as R.5 and R.6 lack ramps and thus lead wheelchair users to use street lanes, as illustrated in Figure 8 and Figure 9. Additionally, most of the existing ramp slopes, widths, and pavement quality along the routes do not meet international standards, rendering them unsafe. For example, the below-standard ramp slopes along routes R.8, R.11, and R.13 could increase the risk of fall-related injuries. Moreover, other route-related issues—such as inappropriate ramp surfaces, poor pavement quality, narrow route widths due to improper street and path design, and the presence of vertical obstacles—could discourage wheelchair use and force individuals to navigate street lanes instead, as recorded in wheelchair user n 11 (Table 7), posing significant traffic hazards. The behavior study confirmed the issue of connectivity as most wheelchair users (14 out of 15) were accompanied by relatives to help them navigate the Historic District of Jeddah. Therefore, a comprehensive accessibility plan should encompass all routes within the historic area as a unified project rather than as isolated efforts.

Table 8. Planning strategies for enhancing accessibility in historic districts.

Planning Strategy
1	Designated wheelchair users’ parking should be close to attractive historical centers to ensure quick access to these places and minimize long-distance mobility along poorly designed streets and intersections for such a group of users.
2	Walking route segments must be connected to each other in an appropriate way that supports the mobility of wheelchair users safely and comfortably, which can include the following: Use raised crossings in minor or major intersections to ease wheelchair mobility and ensure drivers are slowing down and stopping at such points. Apply a curb extension strategy in service lanes, intersecting with sidewalks, to enhance wheelchair user safety by minimizing the distance required to cross from the service lane to reach the other side of the sidewalk. Ensure all sidewalk levels are on the same level as nearby pedestrian streets to ensure safe and comfortable mobility for wheelchair users.
3	A unifying curb ramp system with an international standard must be implemented to ensure that all the historic district ramps are comfortable, safe, and encouraging to use.
4	Historic districts‘ main street intersections should be provided with signals for crossing that can be controlled by a pedestrian/wheelchair user push-button system to ensure safe and quick access to isolated places by busy streets or roads.
5	Route surface materials must be smooth to facilitate wheelchair users‘ mobility and slightly rough to prevent wheelchair slips or cause harmful vibrations and discomfort.
6	Historic districts‘ public buildings and retail shops need a practical ramp system that provides safe and comfortable access so wheelchair users can fully experience and participate in any activities that occur inside of them. Proposed ramp systems must not affect the ambiance of heritage buildings nor their surrounding public open spaces.
7	Future comprehensive wheelchair user accessibility plans in historic districts should include all walking routes within the historic area as a unified project rather than as isolated efforts.
8	When allocated improvement budgets are limited, walking routes attached to designated wheelchair user parking must be the priority for maintenance and improvement.

presents practical strategies for enhancing accessibility in historic districts based on this study’s results.

Our findings and method reinforce the Saudi Disability Welfare Law [14] that emphasizes the importance of developing engineering and architectural specifications that meet the needs of disabled individuals in public spaces, as highlighted in Article 3 and the Saudi “Universal Accessibility Guidelines.” Here, our findings draw attention to the fact that Saudi Disability Law and Universal Accessibility Guidelines must develop specific guidelines for enhancing the accessibility of disabled individuals, including wheelchair users, in heritage sites. These guidelines must be comprehensive to rectify the current local practices that insufficiently achieve wheelchair users’ accessibility in such sites. The developed guidelines should think practically about actual wheelchair users’ mobility trips in public spaces, from designated parking spots and bus or light rail stops to desirable destinations within heritage sites and historic centers. Before approval, they should be tested on historic districts and sites to identify issues and frustrations that possibly affect their implementation or effectiveness.

City departments responsible for managing historic districts and cultural heritage sites have a significant opportunity to improve physical accessibility for wheelchair users. One practical approach is to involve wheelchair users in identifying accessibility issues within these areas using an easy-to-use online version of the WAC tool. Another way is to link WAC with Google Maps and allow wheelchair users to pinpoint problematic locations on such an application; ongoing feedback can be utilized to identify areas of concern. This process enables responsible departments to collect comprehensive data, allowing them to address these issues expeditiously and effectively.

Additionally, the managers of historic sites can learn from global case studies to explore potential solutions that balance accessibility and inclusivity with heritage conservation. For example, in 2015, Historic England published two guidelines for improving access to historic buildings and landscapes [52,53]. These guidelines emphasized the right of disabled people to access historical sites and demonstrated how good accessibility can enhance our understanding and appreciation of the historical environment while simultaneously promoting heritage conservation. This approach is clearly stated by Historic England in their publication: “In its search for a more inclusive approach to the historic environment Historic England is keen to celebrate access solutions that combine conservation with excellent and innovative modern design” [52].

Regardless of the findings of this study, there will be other concerns to be addressed. Questions on whether improving wheelchair accessibility can attract more people to visit the district, if wheelchair users feel safe navigating the streets of the Jeddah Historic District, if wheelchair users are willing to travel the necessary distance from the designated parking areas to the historic center, and if the integration of technologies such as Google Maps can enhance the accessibility and overall experience for wheelchair users. While these are significant concerns, they fall outside of the scope of this study.

Lastly, the method and findings of this study are applicable to other historic districts with limited wheelchair accessibility, particularly those lacking appropriate walking infrastructure for such a group of users.

6. Conclusions

This study highlights the limited accessibility of the Jeddah Historic District walking routes for wheelchair users through the assessment of 14 routes, commencing from designated wheelchair parking areas to the historic district center, and the understanding of wheelchair users’ behavior while using these routes. This study contributes to the literature in three key ways. First, it advances the literature on assessment methods by offering a practical approach to assessing the walking infrastructure available for wheelchair users. Second, it enhances our understanding of the challenges related to public accessibility for wheelchair users in historic districts. Finally, it adds to the Saudi literature and practices that improve wheelchair accessibility in historical districts, ensuring that these locations are better equipped to serve vulnerable populations, enhance their experience, and minimize social isolation.

Although the present study reveals important findings, it has several limitations. First, it focused solely on assessing physical accessibility and related aspects, such as connectivity, safety, and comfort for wheelchair users on existing walking routes, but did not evaluate other aspects, such as the adequacy of lighting for safely guiding wheelchair users at night. Second, it did not examine existing design interventions to assist wheelchair users in moving from outdoor spaces to the surrounding indoor buildings. Third, the study did not consider the visual impact of wheelchair facilities and features (e.g., ramps, handrails, slopes) on the esthetics of historic district buildings. Fourth, the studying of wheelchair users’ behaviors was conducted only on 15 users as they were rarely seen in the historic district. Fifth, we used Google Maps to predict the wheelchair user routes as there were no designated routes. However, Google Maps highlighted the available wheelchair routes based on the shortest walking distance without taking into consideration the route’s quality and users’ behavior. Also, Google Maps might introduce inaccuracies in determining actual user paths and obstacles. Lastly, the assessment did not include other disability groups, such as those with visual or hearing impairments. Future research should explore the suitability of the current walking infrastructure for a broader range of disabilities to ensure that historic districts are accessible to all visitors. Additionally, triangulating data with in-person surveys and using higher-resolution spatial data in future research is recommended.