Pupil Pedestrians’ Challenges in High-Density Areas of Lagos Metropolis

Abstract

This research investigated the challenges primary school pupils in high-density areas of Lagos Metropolis encounter while commuting to school. Data were sourced primarily from pupils and guardians/parent on behalf of pupils. The new urbanism theory and walkable city concept were employed to explain required expectations. A total of 327 pupils were sampled from an estimated 1,416,941 pupils in Lagos metropolis, using the Cochran sample size formula. The multistage sampling technique was employed, as the subjects of interest were first grouped into categories of school ownership (private and public), then into the various densities they fell into. Samples were then selected randomly, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables. Activities of commercial motorcyclists were rated most challenging (1.82 Challenge Severity Index [CSI]), while vendor activities on pedestrian bridges was rated least severe (1.45 CSI) out of a possible 3.0. Also considered challenging to pupil pedestrians were bad surface quality of walkways, absence of bollards for protection against vehicles, absence of crosswalks/zebra crossing, absence of pelican signal, walkway obstructions, vendor activities on pedestrian bridges and damages or missing slabs. The study concludes that the challenges encountered by pupil pedestrians were severe, as they were averagely rated 1.82 CSI of a possible 3.0 value. It was recommended that walkway surfaces be maintained periodically, bollards and pelican signals be installed and damaged slabs being used as walkways be replaced immediately to forestall accidents in areas such as Agarawu-Obadina, Iju-Ishaga and Obawole.