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The Relationship of Neighborhood Built Environment Features and Walking

Author

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  • Alfonzo, Mariela
  • Boarnet, Marlon
  • Day, Kristen
  • McMillan, Tracy
  • Anderson, Craig L.

Abstract

To date, the literature on urban design and walking has often emphasized more macro-scale features, such as block length and number of intersections, that are easier to measure remotely using GIS and or aerial photographs. Urban designers, in contrast, emphasize the importance of micro-scale features in individuals’ use and experience of neighborhood environments. This paper moves beyond examining correlations of individual built environment features and walking, to begin to test proposals about which composite characteristics of the built environment (safety, comfort, etc.) may have the greatest impact on walking. Several urban design characteristics of 11 neighborhoods throughout California were collected. Self-report walking data on the number and types of walking trips were obtained from surveys administered to parents of 3rd-5th graders. Urban design features related to both accessibility and safety affect the amount of walking that adults do in their neighborhood. Grouping related urban design variables into indices provides some clarity as to how the built environment impacts walking. Safety emerges as the most important built environment characteristic (of those tested), related to both destination and recreational walking.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfonzo, Mariela & Boarnet, Marlon & Day, Kristen & McMillan, Tracy & Anderson, Craig L., 2006. "The Relationship of Neighborhood Built Environment Features and Walking," University of California Transportation Center, Working Papers qt8fh1x4h3, University of California Transportation Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:cdl:uctcwp:qt8fh1x4h3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Boarnet, Marlon G. & Anderson, Craig L. & Day, Kristen & McMillan, Tracy & Alfonzo, Mariela, 2006. "Evaluation of the California Safe Routes to School Legislation: Urban Form Changes and Children's Active Transportation to School," University of California Transportation Center, Working Papers qt3vd3g3jm, University of California Transportation Center.
    2. Boarnet, Marlon G. & Day, Kristen & Anderson, Craig & McMillan, Tracy & Alfonzo, Mariela, 2006. "California's Safe Routes to School Program: Impacts on Walking, Bicycling, and Pedestrian Safety," University of California Transportation Center, Working Papers qt4sw448cv, University of California Transportation Center.
    3. Cervero, Robert & Radisch, Carolyn, 1996. "Travel choices in pedestrian versus automobile oriented neighborhoods," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 3(3), pages 127-141, July.
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