Influence of Environmental Design on Pedestrian Travel Behavior in Four Austin Neighborhoods

Abstract

Results of a pedestrian survey conducted in two pairs of Austin, Texas, neighborhoods that possess either pedestrian-oriented or automobile-oriented transportation system, land use, and design characteristics but similar density, housing, and sociodemographic characteristics are reported. Survey results identify the influence of contrasting neighborhood forms on structural characteristics of walk-activity patterns and attitudes as mediated by personal characteristics. Walk-activity patterns significantly vary between neighborhoods with different accessibility characteristics. In the physically accessible neighborhoods, walks are predominantly short and frequent utilitarian trips that involve more secondary activities. Activity in the less accessible neighborhoods is characterized by longer, less frequent recreational walks that involve fewer secondary activities. Results support the conclusion that neighborhood transportation, land use, and design characteristics influence walk distance, duration, purpose, and number of secondary activities. The importance of walking in general and for specific purposes also varies with the relative levels of environmental variables. In the traditional neighborhoods, walkable distances, access to transit, shops, and work are more important, as is the opportunity to be outdoors. In the modern neighborhoods, walkway continuity, trees, and interesting things to look at are more important environmental attributes, as is the opportunity to maintain health. Accessibility affects walk activities as well as associated attitudes, but it is mediated through personal factors such as number of household cars, number of children, and household size. Evidence that pedestrians more highly value the available opportunities for walking suggests that latent predilections towards walking shape residential preferences.