Journal of Human Ergology
Online ISSN : 1884-3964
Print ISSN : 0300-8134
ISSN-L : 0300-8134
RESIDENTS' EVALUATION OF URBAN ENVIRONMENTS: ATTRACTION OF URBAN LIFE AND ANXIETY ASSOCIATED WITH TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND URBAN CRIMES
TOMOKO TACHIKAWASHUSA HASHIMOTO
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2007 Volume 36 Issue 2 Pages 1-12

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Abstract
The results of questionnaire and interview surveys conducted in Mitaka and Musashino cities are presented for investigating of residents' evaluation of their urban environment, particularly regarding its attractiveness. A special attention was paid to residents' evaluation with regard to anxiety associated with traffic accidents and urban crimes. The urban infrastructure and residents' responses were examined using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Attractiveness associated with the urban environment was classified into two categories: "attractiveness in daily life" and "attractiveness in non-daily life." The residents valued opportunities for relaxing and living in comfort. In non-daily life, the residents specifically valued improved living conditions and harmony between the natural environment and commercial facilities. They attributed crime anxiety to trees, narrow streets, obstructed views, dark areas and a gloomy atmosphere. Residents regarded violent crimes as being prevalent, but considered trespassing and property crimes infrequent. The residents' anxiety about traffic accidents was caused by reckless driving habits, narrow streets, lack of separation between roadway and pedestrians' ways, heavy traffic, and obstructed views. Residents cited main roads and intersections as locations of anxiety, which con-curred with frequent accidents.
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