An Exploratory Study on Barriers to Walking among Pedestrians in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Findings from Photo-Elicitation Focus Group Discussions

Abstract

This study used the method of photo-elicitation focus group discussions to explore barriers among pedestrians, such as students, adults, the elderly, and disabled people, regardless of their gender, in an urban area of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Photos were captured by pedestrians from various perspectives. Then, focus group discussions were conducted to gain insights into the obstacles that they encountered on pavements. Replies were categorised based on themes, including room to walk, pleasant for walking, and safety to walk. Mixed-use pavements and universal design were recommended to enhance the pedestrian-friendly pavements in urban areas in Ho Chi Minh City.