Walkability in urban cities should also consider the varying accessibility needs of people of all ages

11 Nov 2025

Cities are meant to be places where people can easily access everything they need within a short walk or bike ride. The 15-minute city (FMC) is an urban planning idea that ensures essential services—such as homes, workplaces, schools, shops, and parks—are within a 15-minute walk from where people live. This study develops a new way to measure how well a city achieves this goal using a 15-Minute City Index (FMCI).

The FMCI takes into account factors like walkability, the location of key services, and the different walking speeds of various age groups. The research focuses on Pasig City, where pedestrian access is affected by road quality and infrastructure. By combining data on population distribution and accessibility, the study provides a detailed map of which areas are well-connected and which need improvement. Using a pedestrian-centric approach highlights the varying accessibility needs of different age groups and emphasizes the role of walkability in urban planning.

The findings show that while many parts of Pasig City are highly accessible, some areas still lack adequate walking infrastructure. By looking at these features, the research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements

The FMCI provides a data-driven framework that local governments and urban planners can use to improve zoning strategies, optimize public services, and promote sustainable mobility. This research can help city planners design smarter, more inclusive urban spaces, making everyday life more convenient and sustainable for residents. The study’s methodology is replicable and adaptable as the FMCI can be applied to other highly urbanized cities to evaluate and improve urban accessibility and mobility.

Authors: Carlo Angelo R. Mañago, Marielle G. Nasalita, Cesar V. Saveron, Ynah Andrea D. Sunga and Alexis Richard C. Claridades (Department of Geodetic Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/14/2/78

Walkability in urban cities should also consider the varying accessibility needs of people of all ages

Cities are meant to be places where people can easily access everything they need within a short walk or bike ride. The 15-minute city (FMC) is an urban planning idea that ensures essential services—such as homes, workplaces, schools, shops, and parks—are within a 15-minute walk from where people live. This study develops a new way to measure how well a city achieves this goal using a 15-Minute City Index (FMCI).

The FMCI takes into account factors like walkability, the location of key services, and the different walking speeds of various age groups. The research focuses on Pasig City, where pedestrian access is affected by road quality and infrastructure. By combining data on population distribution and accessibility, the study provides a detailed map of which areas are well-connected and which need improvement. Using a pedestrian-centric approach highlights the varying accessibility needs of different age groups and emphasizes the role of walkability in urban planning.

The findings show that while many parts of Pasig City are highly accessible, some areas still lack adequate walking infrastructure. By looking at these features, the research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements

The FMCI provides a data-driven framework that local governments and urban planners can use to improve zoning strategies, optimize public services, and promote sustainable mobility. This research can help city planners design smarter, more inclusive urban spaces, making everyday life more convenient and sustainable for residents. The study’s methodology is replicable and adaptable as the FMCI can be applied to other highly urbanized cities to evaluate and improve urban accessibility and mobility.

Authors: Carlo Angelo R. Mañago, Marielle G. Nasalita, Cesar V. Saveron, Ynah Andrea D. Sunga and Alexis Richard C. Claridades (Department of Geodetic Engineering, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/14/2/78