*5.3. Study Location*

The geographic distribution of urban greenway scholarship reflects a broader pattern in scholarly production, which tends to be dominated by the U.S. and secondarily, China [51]. Related scholarship in ecological planning and design is also dominated by U.S.-based authors [52]. The lack of many studies in Europe is a bit odd, as greenways have a strong tradition there [10,23,53,54]. Allied scholarship in urban greening and urban forestry also has strong representation in Europe [35]. The lack of urban greenway scholarship in the global south also reflects patterns in scholarly production writ large, and this is a topic of concern. As noted by Ernstson and Sörlin [55], urban environmental research gestures toward frameworks and models that are valid everywhere, and this risks discounting local knowledge and meaning-making. One study in China, for example, showed that in contrast to studies conducted in Western countries, less-educated and low-income respondents visited an urban greenway more frequently than others [56]. As most 21st century urban growth is expected to occur in Africa and Asia [12], greenway scholarship and planning practice will be especially important in these underrepresented areas. Here, research might address the role and potential of greenways in already built-up urban centers, as well as the potential of greenways to shape future urban development.
