In urban planning, what does accessibility refer to?

Accessibility in urban planning primarily refers to the ease of reaching desired destinations. This concept emphasizes the importance of not just the physical distance to a location, but also the various factors that can enhance or hinder the ability of individuals to access services, employment, and amenities within an urban environment. Accessibility encompasses the integration of different transportation modes, infrastructure design, and social dynamics that affect how well individuals can connect to the places they need to go.

When considering this definition, it becomes evident that accessibility is broader than merely the existence or number of transportation options. It involves looking at how these options are coordinated and how easy they make it for residents to navigate their surroundings efficiently. Similarly, while the design of road networks and the speed of public transport systems are important elements in determining accessibility, they serve more as means to the end of achieving improved access to various destinations rather than defining accessibility itself. Therefore, the correct answer captures the essence of what accessibility means in urban planning.