“Walkable by Willpower”: Resident perceptions of neighbourhood environments

Abstract

Resident perceptions of neighbourhood walkability, physical activity opportunities, food choice and factors influencing choice of neighbourhood were examined through focus group discussion in higher and lower walkability neighbourhoods. Almost all participants perceived their neighbourhoods as very or reasonably walkable with high food choice. Walking was described as primarily leisure or exercise focused and less frequenly as destination or task-oriented. Factors influencing walking and physical activity included connectivity, path quality, weather and traffic. The ability to drive easily was a key factor in neighbourhood choice. Our findings identified important environmental factors perceived by residents as either positively or negatively influencing behaviour related to physical activity and food choice. Future research should examine the relationship between perceived and actual walkability features as well as residential selection.