Propuesta de estrategias de movilidad en centros urbanos ante eventos emergentes que requieran distanciamiento social, caso Machala

Abstract

The main objective of this research work was the generation of strategies for human mobility in urban centers in the face of emerging events that require social distancing. As a particular case, the Machala Canton was taken as a case study to understand the characteristics of mobility within the city and where and how citizens move to and from. Surveys with a total of 14 questions were carried out. Based on the population projection and the population sample formula, the survey is directed to 384 inhabitants of the city, applying technological platforms to collect information online and avoid direct contact with people for pandemic reasons. At the time of proceeding with the data tabulation, data validation was performed using Cronbach's alpha which results in a reliability range of 0.99 or 99%. Based on the results obtained, it was possible to identify the reason why citizens preferred to move around, the most used means of transportation, and the degree of reliability when moving around, it was determined that bicycle lanes are required by users, more than one user is willing to change the motorized vehicle for a human-powered vehicle as long as the city has infrastructure such as adequate roads for the use of bicycles. The planning strategies are based on repowering the urban infrastructure, promoting non-motorized means of transport that allow the decongestion of the cities, the implementing a network of bicycle lanes, the implementing a traffic control plan, a communication campaign, and the promoting road security for a walkable, safe, and environmentally resilient city.