Publication
Riparian zones provide critical services for human societies and ecological systems, yet rapid urban expansion exerts substantial pressure on these interfaces, leading to global-scale consequences including biodiversity loss, pollution, water supply stress, and escalated flood risks. To address the imperative of assessing human-water interactions in urban environments, this study introduces the Riparian Squeeze Index (RSI) framework. Using the Greater Bay Area as a case study, we developed a multi-dimensional measurement system that integrates spatial distances between waterbodies and infrastructure with demographic, economic, and environmental metrics. Analysis of 392,583 sample points revealed a median distance of 55.13 m between waterbodies and nearby infrastructure, with significant spatial heterogeneity across the region. While riparian zones occupy 37% of the total area, they contain 57% of points of interest and 59% of the population, demonstrating concentrated human activity near waterbodies. The RSI results indicate a development-vulnerability paradox where less-developed cities show higher socioeconomic vulnerabilities despite lower spatial pressure. This research provides a standardized tool for evaluating human pressure on riparian zones across diverse geographical contexts, offering valuable insights for sustainable urban planning and water resource management. The framework's adaptability makes it applicable for similar assessments in other urban agglomerations worldwide.