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Walkability and walking for transport: characterizing the built environment using space syntax.
Mohammad Javad Koohsari1,2,3,4, Neville Owen5,6, Ester Cerin7
1Behavioural Epidemiology Laboratory, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia. Javad.Koohsari@bakeridi.edu.au.
The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
|November 25, 2016
Summary
A new space syntax walkability (SSW) index, using accessible geographic data, is comparable to traditional walkability measures in promoting walking for transport (WT). This approach offers novel insights into urban design
Area of Science:
- Urban planning and public health research.
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis.
- Behavioral science and transportation studies.
Background:
- Neighborhood walkability is linked to walking behavior, but data availability is a challenge.
- Traditional walkability indices require extensive geographical data.
- Space syntax offers a novel approach to assess urban environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a new walkability index, space syntax walkability (SSW).
- To examine the association of SSW and full walkability with walking for transport (WT).
- To assess the utility of space syntax methods in understanding urban design's impact on behavior.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 2544 adults across 154 Census Collection Districts in Adelaide, Australia (2003-2004).
- Calculated full walkability (density, land use mix) and SSW (population density, street integration) using GIS and space syntax software.
- Employed generalized linear models to analyze associations between walkability indices and WT frequency, adjusting for socio-demographics.
Main Results:
- Full walkability and SSW were highly correlated (ρ = 0.76, p < 0.01).
- Both indices showed a significant positive association with walking for transport (WT).
- Regression coefficients for full walkability and SSW were 1.12 and 1.14, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Space syntax walkability (SSW) is comparable to full walkability in predicting walking for transport.
- SSW utilizes readily available geographic data, overcoming limitations of traditional indices.
- Space syntax provides a valuable framework for investigating urban design's influence on walking behavior.
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