The Association of Activity-Oriented Zoning With Population-Level Measures of Walk and Bike Trips From Mobility Data

The built environment can play an important role in encouraging physical activity (PA). In the United States, zoning policies are a primary lever by which jurisdictions can create built environments that are more conducive to PA. While several studies have shown associations between activity-oriented zoning and PA, they have all relied on self-reported PA data. This cross-sectional study examined associations between activity-oriented zoning and objective measures of walking and biking trips from StreetLight Data, Inc, derived from mobile device location-based services.

County-aggregated, population-weighted data on exposure to code reform and transit-oriented development zoning and 8 specific activity-oriented zoning provisions (sidewalks, crosswalks, bike-pedestrian connectivity, street connectivity, bike lanes, bike parking, bike-pedestrian trails/paths, and mixed use) as of 2010 were linked to 2019 data on walking and biking trips per 1000 county residents for 154 counties in 35 states and D.C. Multivariable linear regression models were computed with robust standard errors to analyze associations between each of the zoning measures and walking and biking trips, controlling for county-level characteristics.

Having 100% (vs 0%) of the county population exposed to transit-oriented development zoning was associated with 145 more average daily walking trips per 1000 county residents. Exposure to zoning provisions for crosswalks, bike-pedestrian connectivity, street connectivity, bike lanes, bike parking, bike-pedestrian trails/paths, mixed use, and transit-oriented development were associated with 15 to 27 more biking trips per 1000 county residents.

Results highlight the potential role of zoning in providing greater opportunities for people to meet PA recommendations by creating opportunities for walking and biking.