Neighbourhood Based Differences in Physical Activity and Liveability

Abstract

Walking is a simple activity but in urban settings requires a supportive environment because of a pedestrian's relatively slow rate of movement. PURPOSE: The study purpose was to determine if those living in a neighbourhood that possessed the characteristics that define a “walkable” neighbourhood actually walked more than residents who lived in a less “walkable” neighbourhood. METHODS: The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability survey (NEWS) and the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) were administered in door to door interviews. The interviews were conducted on predetermined residents based on a systematic sampling method. Descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) were completed on all questions except the open responses. Chi Squares were run on the variables that were grouped categorically. RESULTS: The case study site was Garrison Woods which was designed according to New Urbanism principles. Somerset, a neighbourhood constructed at a similar time as Garrison Woods, but according to a conventional suburban design, was the control study site. Characteristics of the neighbourhood were measured objectively and as perceived by survey respondents. A physical analysis of the two communities shows that Garrison Woods had a highly interconnected street pattern in comparison to Somerset. The demographic profiles of Garrison Woods and Somerset were very similar however the education levels were quite different, with 77.8% of people in Garrison Woods having attended university. CONCLUSION: Residents of high-walkability neighbourhood such as GW reported higher residential density, land use mix, street connectivity, aesthetics, but not safety. They walked more often to amenities than those in Somerset and this is likely due to the closer proximity. However, there was no statistical difference in the self reported physical activity levels as determine by the GLTEQ.