Estudo sobre percepção de seguridade de pedestres na área norte do campus de São Carlos da UFSCar

Abstract

Perceived safety is a relevant factor in active mobility, influencing pedestrians' experiences and the use of urban spaces. This study aimed to analyze pedestrians' perceived safety while walking in the Northern Area of the São Carlos campus of the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), considering characteristics of the built environment and users' behaviors. A case study approach was adopted, involving an adapted application of the spatial assessment method proposed by Rodrigues (2024), structured around four dimensions: circulation, surveillance, maintenance, and attractiveness. The methodology included daytime and nighttime field surveys, spatial analyses using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), thematic mapping, and a questionnaire administered to the university community, yielding 221 valid responses. The results revealed differences between spatial classifications and respondents' perceptions. In the area surrounding the Community Library, although 64.7% of respondents positively evaluated pedestrian mobility infrastructure, 52.9% negatively assessed maintenance conditions. Regarding walking patterns, 52.0% reported walking in this area exclusively during the daytime, compared with 48.4% in the AT-07 area and 56.1% near the University Restaurant. On Rua dos Suindaras, 54.8% reported not walking through the area. Regarding the dimensions considered most important for improving perceived safety, attractiveness (43.90%), circulation (26.83%), and surveillance (24.39%) were the most frequently selected. The findings indicate that favorable spatial classifications do not necessarily correspond to uniformly positive perceptions of safety, highlighting the importance of integrating built-environment indicators with users' experiences. This research contributes to university campus planning by identifying spatial vulnerabilities and walking behavior patterns, providing evidence to support guidelines for improving pedestrian routes.