Safe Trails. Meeting Spaces for Civic Coexistence in Quito-Ecuador

Abstract

The year 2022 was the most violent in Ecuador's history, with an 82% increase in violent deaths compared to 2021. In Quito, crimes rose by 46.3%, affecting the perception of security and quality of life. The lack of adequate infrastructure contributes to exclusion and inequality in access to public space. The mayor of Quito’s plan proposes the creation of gathering spaces to improve security and strengthen urban identity. It suggests that citizen security can be enhanced through the social construction of public space, promoting walkability, social cohesion, and interculturality. The Safe Pathways project aims to reclaim public space to encourage safe pedestrian mobility and improve social well-being. It is based on interventions such as lighting, traffic calming, and urban environment improvements, with a focus on socio-spatial equity, gender, security, sustainability, social capital, and transportation. Territorial analysis identified patterns for implementing these pathways, achieving a 30% reduction in crimes in the intervened areas and an increase in the perception of security. Additionally, infrastructure improvements have encouraged walkability and public space use, strengthening community life.