Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Physical activity is a critical factor for health, and a person’s neighborhood environment plays a major role in shaping how much they move, according to Dr. Abby King, a clinical psychologist and professor at Stanford University. She notes that streets, sidewalks, and the proximity of destinations such as cafes and shops affect daily activity levels.
Walkability refers to how easy it is to walk or engage in other forms of active transit within an area. Factors impacting walkability include street layout, block length, intersections, and access to parks and retail locations. Amenities such as sidewalks, benches, lighting, and crosswalks are also important components.
Research led by King found that people who relocated to more walkable cities walked roughly 1,100 additional steps per day, equating to nearly an hour more activity weekly. This increase in physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.
Since moving to a more walkable area is not feasible for everyone, King’s team developed the “Our Voice” initiative, which uses a simple app for residents to document facilitators and barriers to walkability in their neighborhoods. This data can be shared with local officials to support community-specific improvements. The program has been used in numerous U.S. states and over 30 countries worldwide.
Improvements in walkability do not necessarily require extensive or expensive projects. Incremental changes such as adding crosswalks, enhancing lighting, and creating green spaces can significantly impact how conducive a community is to walking. Engaging local community groups is a recommended starting point for neighborhoods seeking to increase walkability.