Key Highlights
- Johannesburg emerges as the least pedestrian‑friendly city worldwide in 2025.
- Insufficient sidewalks, high traffic density, and recurrent safety incidents deter walking.
- Mumbai’s placement at seventh rank reflects challenges faced by even densely populated metros.
- The findings underscore the need for redesigning streets to prioritize safe, vehicle‑free spaces.
Detailed Insights
Johannesburg recorded a walkability safety score of just 19.31, the lowest among all surveyed cities, mainly because of limited pedestrian pathways and frequent vehicular clashes.
Mumbai, positioned seventh, confronts monsoon‑induced flooding and scarce car‑free zones, yet remains notable for an extensively affordable public transit network.
The overall ranking reveals that urban design failures—such as poorly constructed sidewalks and high traffic volumes—directly erode everyday walking habits, pushing citizens toward motorised transport.
Key Concepts
- Walkability: The degree to which an area supports and encourages safe, comfortable walking.
- Pedestrian Safety: The protection measures that minimize accidents and injuries for walkers.
- Urban Planning: The process of designing the physical layout of cities to serve public needs.
- Infrastructure Gap: The disparity between existing road conditions and what is required for secure pedestrian movement.
- Car‑Free Zones: Designated streets or areas open exclusively to non‑motorised traffic.