Sidewalks, trees and shade matter: A visual landscape assessment approach to understanding people’s preferences for walking

Abstract

IntroductionPublic health professionals and urban designers consider neighborhood sidewalks as a vehicle for promoting outdoor physical activity. The design of streetscape and available greenness may also influence walking behaviors and physical activity more generally. MethodData collection included a visual landscape assessment (VLA) survey, followed by focus groups to evaluate streetscape features that influence participants’ preferences for and choice of walking routes. With the considerations of equity in access to the environmental amenities, the study was conducted in marginalized communities. Sixty-nine people from low-income neighborhoods in Denver, CO participated in this study. Data were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, using multilevel statistical models. ResultsMore shade and trees, higher levels of maintenance, and the presence of a buffer between the street and sidewalk increase the likelihood of intuitively choosing a street for walking. The availability of natural surveillance, the presence of an open view, and the presence of attractive buildings increase the likelihood of cognitively choosing a street for walking. ConclusionPeople‘s preferences for and choice of walking routes, which include desired shade and walkability, should be considered in neighborhood planning to promote walkable environments.