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Alternatives for Coastal Development: One Site, Three Scenarios
Walkability Indicator Information
In the Scenarios
Because all three of the scenarios include some type of open space and, considering the relatively small size of the project site (approximately 2.5 miles by 0.5 miles), the percentage of residential parcels walkable to open space is 100 percent in each scenario. All three scenarios also include at least one commercial establishment (restaurant or market), so the percentage of residential parcels walkable to commercial establishments is also relatively consistent – 30 percent in the conventional, 23 percent in the conservation, and 27 percent in the new urbanist scenario. For this indicator, the quarter-mile distance is measured as a straight line, not along road or path networks. (See the Indicator Methods Table for details.) In reality, of course, people walk along roads and paths, so an important feature of walkable neighborhoods is the inclusion of paths and trails. What Are the Values of a Walkable Neighborhood?Walkable neighborhoods and communities provide a variety of benefits, from more efficient land use, to improved fitness and public health, to greater community livability. Communities designed for walking can reduce the amount of land used for roadway and parking facilities and develop using more accessible, clustered land use (Litman 2003). Studies have linked sprawling land use with obesity and increased odds for hypertension or high blood pressure. An American Journal of Health Promotion article found that people living in the most sprawling areas were likely to weigh six pounds more than people in compact areas. Community livability refers to the environmental and social quality of an area as perceived by residents and visitors. Because streets are a major part of the public realm where people interact with their community, walkable streets contribute to positive perceptions of community livability (Litman 2003).
What Can I Do?Local governments are best suited to effect change in the walkability of their communities. Many areas do not permit the mixed-use zoning needed to allow residential and neighborhood-scale commercial buildings to be located next to one another. While individuals can urge their local government to make this change, the final decision is left to the government. However, residents can urge local governments to reserve open spaces in new neighborhoods or restore open space in older neighborhoods. Transportation planning that considers non motorized modes of transportation should also be encouraged. Jurisdiction and county governments can then begin planning for walkable streets, open spaces close to neighborhoods, and zoning changes to allow for mixed-use development. References and ResourcesAmerica Walks provides resources for pedestrian advocacy including tips, strategies, and case studies. America Walks is a national coalition of local advocacy groups dedicated to promoting walkable communities. Burden, Dan. "Ten Keys to Walkable/Livable Communities". Local Government Commission. Davis, Dave. "Shaping the Tools of Re-Invention: Good Citizens, Better Communities." Local Government Commission. McCann, Barbara A. and Reid Ewing. 2003. Measuring the Effects of Sprawl: A National Analysis of Physical Activity, Obesity and Chronic Disease. Smart Growth America Special Report. September 2003. Killingsworth, Richard E., and Jean Lamming. 2001. "Development and Public Health: Could our development patterns be affecting our personal health?" Urban Land. July 2001. Litman, Todd Alexander. 2003. The Economic Value of Walkability. Victoria Transport Policy Institute. March 2003. The Smart Growth Network provides links to on-line research that relates walkability to other aspects of smart growth. Walkable Communities, Inc. provides a 12-step program for making your community more walkable. Walkable Communities, Inc. is a Florida nonprofit corporation established to help communities become more walkable and pedestrian-friendly. |
Walkability refers to the percent of residential parcels within a walkable distance to an open space or commercial parcel. A walkable distance is defined as one-quarter mile, which equates to a walk of less than 10 minutes.