11.4.6. Pedestrian priority on campus

Middle East Technical University (METU) enforces absolute pedestrian priority across its campus environment through historical master planning, dedicated car-free pedestrian spines, statutory traffic-calming regulations, and active Strategic Plan investments. Rooted in the founding 1961 Altuğ-Behruz Çinici Master Plan, METU’s core academic zone is built around a continuous pedestrian promenade (The Central Alle / Main Pedestrian Axis). Under the METU Strategic Plan 2023–2027, pedestrian safety is reinforced by strict vehicle speed limits, elevated pedestrian crossing platforms, and continuous walkway network enhancements.

1. Architectural Foundation & Master Plan Pedestrian Axis (1961)

• Foundational Pedestrian Priority (Çinici Plan): Designed in 1961 by award-winning architects Altuğ and Behruz Çinici, the METU Ankara Campus layout explicitly prioritizes pedestrians over vehicular traffic. The central structural backbone—known as the Main Pedestrian Axis (Alle / Forum)—connects the Rectorate, Central Library, Auditorium, and all academic faculties in a completely vehicle-free pedestrian corridor.

• Faculty of Architecture Heritage Preservation Mapping: As documented under the Cultural Heritage Preservation Program of the METU Faculty of Architecture, campus open spaces are strictly categorized to separate Pedestrian Circulation (Yaya Dolaşımı) from vehicular routes, keeping primary walking paths free from cars.

2. Strategic Plan 2023–2027 Measures & Financial Allocation

METU’s official Strategic Plan (Goal G4, Objective O4.2) details actionable strategies and dedicated capital budgets to ensure pedestrian safety and walkway quality:

• Strategy S4 (Pedestrian Safety & Traffic Calming): Explicitly commits to improving pedestrian conditions and guaranteeing pedestrian safety through enforced speed limits for motorized vehicles and elevated pedestrian crossing platforms (yükseltilmiş yaya geçitleri) across all campus ring roads.

• Strategy S1 (Accessible & Safe Walkways): Upgrades old and worn-out walkway installations to ensure continuous accessibility for all pedestrians, including individuals with disabilities.
• PI4.2.3 Budget Allocation: Direct financial investment for smart, accessible, and sustainable campus walkway infrastructure increases progressively to 750 Thousand TL in 2025 (reaching 1.250 Million TL in 2027).