Investigating effects of environmental physical attributes on neighborhood walkability

Abstract

Studies have identified attributes and categories of attributes that relate to walkability, but as those studies are correlational, they do not establish causality. We used a within subject repeated measure controlled trials experiment tested the effects of seven street attributes on intention to walk in neighborhood settings. A national sample of 49 adults and 37 parents or guardians saw and rated each of 25 simulated streets on three items for either their intention to walk (the adults) or their intention to let their child walk (parents). The analyses found intention to walk for both groups highest for streets with the wide sidewalk, with no parking or with trees. In addition, parents or guardians reported higher intention to let their children walk on streets with either no parked cars or more vegetation. Research needs to test how well these interventions work on real streets. Designers could benefit the result for improve the quality of neighborhoods.