Stroke survivors often encounter challenges in community ambulation due to gait impairments. Evidence indicates that stroke survivors demonstrate adequate walking ability in clinical and residential settings but undergo considerable challenges when navigating transitional spaces between these settings in urban contexts. These attributes stem from unpredictability and challenging outdoor conditions. Hence, it is essential to support stroke survivors to re-engage in their daily community activities. A substantial gap remains in design approaches for transitional urban environments that bridge clinical and residential settings to support stroke survivors’ daily community activities. This study aims to identify urban environmental factors that affect stroke survivors’ mobility in transitional urban environments.

Stroke is considered the single largest cause of adult disability in Northern Ireland. Consequently, this study is conducted in West and North Belfast, which encompasses super output areas identified as among the most health-deprived in Northern Ireland. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining planning policy analysis with built environmental interventions. Stroke survivors in West and North Belfast are purposively selected, and their perspectives on urban environmental determinants of mobility are recorded using the focus group photo–elicitation method. Following thematic and policy analysis, an innovative planning strategy is implemented and developed further through stakeholder input and collaboration.

This study offers insights for urban planners and policymakers to guide and improve necessary changes in planning and policy development processes. Overall, the findings underscore valuable insights for fostering a mobility-friendly urban environment for stroke survivors undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation, thereby supporting and enhancing inclusivity in urban planning.