Conclusion đź“‘
Walkability in the U.S.
So… what does all of our data mean, and what conclusions does it point toward? Illustrated in the bar chart to the left, the Walkability data reveals that a vast majority of U.S. cities are deemed below average or least walkable. Although a sizeable portion of U.S. census block groups are above average walkable (and a very, very small portion is considered most walkable), our research has led us to conclude that this is skewed towards large, dense cities with more metropolitan populations.
This means that the majority of American cities falls short in terms of infrastructure that supports human health and livelihood.
Key findings 🔑
Political and social influences on walkability
The rise of motorization and eco-capitalism has fundamentally altered urban landscapes. Post-WWII, cities in the United States and elsewhere underwent significant transformations to accommodate the automobile. “This created an expansion pattern known as known as urban sprawl, in which large swathes of urban populations move to the outskirts and suburbs of their cities… on private automobiles due to the single land-use and the scattering of the daily destinations (Baobeid, Koç, and Al-Ghamdi).” This shift favored vehicular traffic and marginalized those who rely on walking, including lower-income communities and those without access to cars. In recent years, eco-capitalism has emerged, promoting green technologies and sustainable practices. However, these efforts can sometimes prioritize technological solutions over practical urban planning changes that benefit pedestrians, such as creating more walkable spaces.
Advocacy for walkability has historically been dominated by voices from more affluent, urban areas, often neglecting the needs and perspectives of marginalized communities. These communities frequently experience poorer walkability due to inadequate infrastructure, safety concerns, and lack of investment. This oversight perpetuates a cycle of unequal access to the benefits of walkable environments, such as improved health and economic opportunities.
Present-day urbanization trends
Several cities across the United States, especially those in California, have made notable progress in prioritizing walkability through thoughtful urban design and planning. For example, San Francisco is a prime example of a city prioritizing walkability. The city’s dense layout, extensive public transportation network, and numerous pedestrian-friendly initiatives make it one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. San Francisco has invested in creating car-free zones, expanding sidewalks, and enhancing public spaces to encourage walking and cycling. Traditionally known for its car-centric culture, Los Angeles has been shifting towards greater walkability in recent years. Initiatives like the Green Streets Initiative aim to transform key corridors into more pedestrian-friendly areas by improving infrastructure and encouraging local business activity. The city has also expanded its public transportation network and invested in pedestrian pathways and bike lanes.
Progressive policies and initiatives are fundamental in promoting walkable environments across California and the broader United States. Two prominent examples include Complete Streets and Vision Zero. Complete Streets is a policy framework that aims to design and operate streets to enable safe, attractive, and comfortable access for all users, regardless of their mode of transportation. Vision Zero, originating in Sweden, is a strategy to eliminate all traffic facilities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. The focus is on redesigning streets, lowering speed limits, and implementing safety measures such as better crosswalks and protected bike lanes to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries. According to the paper, “The World Health Organization has labeled road traffic collisions as a major global health hazard as it is one of the leading and fastest growing causes of disability and death”(Kim, Muennig, and Rosen).” These efforts not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also contribute to broader goals of sustainability, public health, and social equity.
Health and Well-Being Implications
Walkable neighborhoods offer significant mental health benefits. They reduce stress levels by providing a more serene and aesthetically pleasing environment. The presence of parks, trees, and green spaces within walkable areas encourages outdoor activities and social interactions, which are vital for mental well-being. Regular walking in such environments has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression. Walkable areas also encourage physical activity, which is essential for maintaining physical health. Increased walking leads to lower rates of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. The ease of accessing daily needs by foot or by bicycle reduces sedentary behavior, promoting a more active lifestyle. Access to green spaces and clean water is a critical component of walkable communities. Green spaces provide areas for recreation, relaxation, and community gatherings, enhancing physical and mental health. Clean water access ensures that residents can stay hydrated and maintain hygiene, which is particularly important in dense urban areas. Walkable communities typically integrate these elements, contributing to the overall health and well-being of residents.
Walkability across different contexts
Cities tend to have higher intersection densities, better public transit access, and more diverse land uses. This makes walking a feasible and attractive option. Urban environments often feature mixed-use developments where residential, commercial, and recreational spaces are closer together, reducing the need for long commute times and making walking a practical mode of transportation. Cities also invest more in pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures, which further enhance walkability. In contrast, rural areas often lack the infrastructure that supports walkability. They typically have lower population density, fewer intersections, and longer distances between destinations. Public transit is less accessible, and amenities such as shops, schools, and workplaces are spread out, making car travel almost a necessity. The lack of pedestrian pathways and safe walking conditions further discourages walking. Further evidence is seen in the paper, “Spatial Disparities in the Distribution of Parks and Green Spaces in the USA,” “In contrast to findings in urban areas, the role of poverty in spatial access to parks was completely opposite in rural areas, which was in accordance with the expectation that poorer areas had less spatial access to parks(Wen, Zhang, Harris, Holt, Janet Croft).”
Residents of urban areas benefit from higher walkability through increased physical activity, which can lead to better health outcomes such as lower rates of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. According to the article, “The health benefits of walking in greenspaces of high natural and heritage value, “An increasing number of studies report that contact with greenspaces improves psychological health by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and offering a restorative environment that enables people to escape from the stresses(Barton, Hine, and Pretty).” The availability of public parks and recreation areas in cities also contributes to better mental health by providing spaces for social interaction and relaxation. Conversely, rural areas face challenges in providing walkable environments, which can contribute to higher rates of sedentary lifestyles. The reliance on cars for transportation in rural areas limits physical activity, leading to higher incidences of health problems associated with inactivity, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, rural residents often have limited access to healthcare services, compounding these health issues.
Higher-income neighborhoods usually enjoy better infrastructure, including well-maintained sidewalks, parks, and public transit options, which enhance walkability. These areas often have more resources to invest in creating safe, attractive, and accessible walking environments. As a result, residents in these neighborhoods can more easily incorporate walking into their daily routines, leading to improved physical and mental health. Lower-income neighborhoods often lack these amenities, resulting in poorer walkability. These areas may have inadequate or poorly maintained pedestrian infrastructure, fewer public parks, and limited public transit options. The lack of investment in these communities can lead to a cycle of disinvestment and neglect, further exacerbating the disparity in walkability. Residents in low-income areas may also face additional barriers such as crime and unsafe walking conditions, which deter walking and contribute to higher reliance on cars.
Future recommendations
Policymakers should prioritize walkability in urban planning policies and initiatives. This can be achieved through zoning laws that promote mixed-use development, investments in pedestrian infrastructure, and incentives for businesses to support walkable environments. Focus on improving infrastructure and access in marginalized communities to promote equity. Policies should address the unique barriers these communities face, such as safety concerns, lack of investment, and insufficient public transit options.
Final thoughts đź’
Ongoing efforts are necessary to advocate for walkability and human-centered urban planning. Advocacy should focus on promoting policies that prioritize pedestrians and address the needs of all community members. Continued research and policy development are essential to support and enhance walkable environments. This includes studying the impacts of walkability on different demographics and developing innovative solutions to improve urban walking. As best put by the article, “Examining Walkability and Social Capital as Indicators of Quality of Life at the Municipal and Neighborhood Scales,” “A neighborhood that provides residents with easy access to municipal infrastructure such as post offices, town parks and playgrounds, coffee shops, restaurants, barbershops, and club meeting venues will theoretically have high values of social capital (Rogers, Halstead, Gardner, K.H. et al).”
Walkable cities contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on automobiles, which in turn lowers greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. When more people choose walking or cycling over driving, cities can decrease their carbon footprint and move closer to achieving climate goals. Moreover, walkable urban planning encourages the preservation of green spaces, which are essential for biodiversity and the mitigation of urban heat islands. Furthermore, all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status, should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of walkability. This involves deliberate urban planning that considers the needs of marginalized communities, ensuring that they are not left out of walkability initiatives. According to the journal “Why Attention to Complete Streets Implementation Is So Important in Serving Historically Disadvantaged Communities,” “We need to realign transportation goals with community visions and other jurisdiction-wide goals, such as sustainability, to leverage transportation resources as a tool to help underprivileged communities” (Marcus, Flores, Roberts, Johnson). Governments at all levels must commit to funding and maintaining pedestrian infrastructure and public transit systems. Policies should also address the socio-economic disparities in walkability, ensuring that investments are also directed towards underserved and marginalized communities. Effective policies are essential to support and sustain walkability initiatives. This includes adopting and enforcing policies like Complete Streets and Vision Zero, which promote the design of streets that are safe and accessible for all users. Walkability is a vital component of creating vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive communities. The benefits of walkable urban planning are extensive, impacting environmental sustainability, public health, and social equity. The commitment to fostering walkable cities must be ongoing, involving continuous advocacy, thoughtful planning, and strong policy support. By prioritizing walkability, we can build cities where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive, creating a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone.