Measuring patterns and mechanism of greenway use - A case from Guangzhou, China

In the context of recent studies that have begun to establish a more quantifiable understanding of the use of urban greenways, this paper presents a preliminary investigation into the patterns in which a greenway is used and the mechanism behind the pattern of use of the greenway. Factors of the location, economic situation, environment and social background have been measured and analyzed in the use intensity model to interpret their impact on the use intensity of different sections of a greenway. The results suggest that use of the Waterfront Greenway in Guangzhou is highly impacted by population density, employment density, nearby service provision and the connectivity of the greenway to other parts of the city. In this case, the use intensity model with indicators such as location, economic, environmental and social factors has been shown to be applicable to the evaluation of the use of the greenways. Results from the case study suggest that providing greenways close to the residential zones, employment centers and key public services such as hospitals and schools will increase greenway use. The surrounding network system of a greenway must be carefully considered and designed to improve the linking of the greenway to other parts of the city, to increase the number of potential visitors to the greenway.