Validation of a Japanese walkability index using large-scale step count data of Yokohama citizens

Abstract

In Japan where the population is aging and declining, it is necessary to evaluate and improve the walkability of cities. However, it may not be appropriate to use the indices developed for American cities in highly dense cities in Asia. This study aimed to verify the association of a newly developed walkability index, which quantifies the accessibility of various urban amenities, with step counts of Yokohama citizens (n = 54,698). Participants were categorized into four subgroups according to sex and age. Scores from both the new and an existing index were calculated for each participant's neighborhood. Using generalized linear mixed models, associations of the scores with their step counts (count models) and probability of target achievement (binomial models) were examined. Overall, the new index predicted citizens' step counts better than the existing index in both models. The new index had a stronger association with step count in older adults in the count models and with target achievement in women in the binomial models. The findings support the efficacy of the new index, which indexes various amenities instead of density variables, in assessing the walkability in highly dense cities, as well as the need for indices tailored to the urban context.