Operational Definitions of Walkable Neighborhood: Theoretical and Empirical Insights

Area of Science:

• Urban Planning
• Public Health
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Walkable neighborhoods are vital for physical activity research and interventions.
• Current theoretical understanding and definitions of neighborhood walkability are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review neighborhood theories and propose an empirical approach for defining walkable neighborhoods.
• To identify measurable environmental attributes and thresholds associated with neighborhood walkability.

Main Methods:

• Review of neighborhood theories.
• Bivariate and multivariate analyses of socio-demographic data, walking behavior, perceptions, and objective environmental measures.

Main Results:

• Higher residential density and smaller street blocks correlated with increased walking for health.
• Shorter distances to food and retail facilities were associated with greater walkability.
• Thresholds for walkability to eating/drinking establishments and grocery stores were identified as 860 and 1445 feet, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Neighborhoods supporting walkability may differ from those focused on recreation or education.
• A finer mix of land uses than typically found in suburban areas is beneficial.
• Small spatial units are recommended for analyzing and promoting neighborhood walkability.