Transportation infrastructure and quality of life for disadvantage populations: a pilot study of El Cenizo Colonia in Texas.
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2009-09-01
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Alternative Title:Transportation infrastructure and quality of life for disadvantaged populations: a pilot study of El Cenizo Colonia in Texas;A pilot study of El Cenizo Colonia in Texas;
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Abstract:This research is a pilot study aimed to identify environmental characteristics in colonias that are
related to infrastructure and safety, access to goods and services, and quality of life. A secondary objective
consisted of evaluating a variety of tools that could be used to identify and assess these environmental
characteristics. El Cenizo in Webb County, Texas, was selected as our study colonia after preliminary visits
and investigations. A multi-disciplinary approach framed this study, considering the transportation, urban
design and planning, public health, and socioeconomic dimensions as potential determinants of the residents’
mobility behaviors, environmental perception, and quality of life. Three instruments were developed to collect
data for this research: 1) a survey, 2) an activity diary or travel diary, and 3) environmental audit instruments.
Additionally, this study also included a small sub-group study testing the usability of wearable Global
Positioning Systems (GPS) units as a research tool to capture spatial-behavioral data, combined with travel
diary. First, the study has generated valuable data on transportation and mobility behaviors where almost noinformation
is available. Second, the multidisciplinary approach has allowed a comprehensive approach
towards a better understanding of the current needs of colonias, especially those related to pedestrians. Some
of them could be easily addressed with direct short-term interventions while other require a more long-term
plans. Third, the assessment of new research tools offers useful insights for future research in the context of
similar low-income marginalized communities.
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