Walk In Environment Research Articles

Interaction of perceived Chinese campus walkability and psychosocial factors on college students’ walking behavior

Walking, a physical activity beneficial for both physical and mental health, is influenced by various factors. Although previous studies have acknowledged that walking behavior is influenced by environmental and psychosocial factors, little is known about their interactions. Based on a socio-ecological model and focusing on Chinese college students, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of campus walkability and psychosocial factors on college students’ walking behavior, including the interactions between these factors. This study seeks to enhance understanding of how to promote walking behavior through campus environmental design and psychological interventions. Multiple regression analysis was conducted on the questionnaire data. Findings revealed that campus walkability significantly influenced both walking behaviors, alongside psychosocial factors such as attitude, self-efficacy, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and subject norms. Additionally, significant differences in interaction effects between these factors were observed for purposeful versus recreational walking behaviors. These interactions suggest that campus walkability more substantially promotes walking behavior in students with negative psychosocial factors, whereas its impact is less pronounced in those with positive psychosocial factors. The results underscore the need to focus not only on developing walkable environments but also on understanding the synergies with the psychosocial factors of target populations, offering crucial insights for campus planning and health promotion practices.

IPA Analysis and optimization of pedestrian environment at railway stations in Guangdong-Hong Kong and Macao: An example of six typical stations

Due to the increasing urbanization and growing regional integration, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is progressively transforming into a globally recognized metropolitan cluster. Rail transit is an effective and eco-friendly kind of public transport that plays a crucial role in fostering regional economic connections and facilitating people's movement. It has become the primary option for inhabitants when it comes to travelling. This study examines the influence of the walking environment's quality on passenger travel experience (the overall satisfaction and comfort felt by passengers when walking in a rail station area), station attractiveness (the degree of attractiveness of a rail station to passengers, which is usually determined by a combination of a number of factors, such as accessibility, safety, and interest of the station area) , and the overall livability of the city (the overall quality of life that a rail station area provides to Residents, including the quality of the environment, infrastructure, public services) . It does so by analyzing the walking environments of six representative rail transit stations in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, using the Walking Demand Hierarchy Theory as a basis. The study employed the IPA model to evaluate 20 crucial characteristics of the pedestrian environment. The findings revealed variations in the performance of different stations with regard to accessibility, safety, identification, functionality, and enjoyment. The differences provide a reference point for further optimizing the pedestrian environment in the Greater Bay Area rail station areas.

Unlocking the night: Exploring the health impacts of night-time walking environments on health outcomes of older adults

Walking remains the primary form of physical activity for many older adults in China, and the quality of the walking environment at night may determine the frequency and duration of evening outings. This study reveals how night-time environmental features influence the health outcomes of older adults. Using the medical check-up records of 87,578 older adults from a public health service in the Beilin district of Xi'an city, China, the role of the night-time walking environment in managing chronic conditions was examined. A favorable night-time walking environment reduced the prevalence of chronic conditions and comorbidities among older adults. However, the health effects stemming from the night-time walking environment exhibited heterogeneity, with significant impacts only on metabolic conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, while the effects on other conditions were not significant. Our findings supplement the theory of healthy aging by highlighting the potential value of the environment in managing chronic conditions, which may serve as a cost-effective health intervention for aging societies.

Assessment and Modelling of Walk Trips in Akure, Nigeria

The study examined and modeled the walking behavior patterns of residents in Akure, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to collect relevant data for assessing and modeling the walking trip patterns. The questionnaires were administered to 300 participants between May to November 2019 (6 months) across three primary residential neighborhoods in the city; high-density, medium-density, and low-density areas. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software and subsequently modeled using multi-variable regression techniques. The study found that 48.7% of the sampled population preferred to walk, and 49.7% perceived walking as an alternative to motorized trips. Significant differences were observed in the socioeconomic characteristics of residents, such as age and income, across the residential zones (F = 54.731, p<0.001; F = 68.278, p<0.001). The key factors that greatly influenced decision of respondents to walk included socioeconomic factors, such as income, personal car ownership, educational qualifications, and employment status, with age and sex being the least significant socioeconomic determinants. Generally, the factors that motivated respondents to choose walking as a travel mode included its relative affordability, the lack of personal vehicles, awareness of health benefits, safety and security concerns, avoidance of motorized traffic congestion, and favorable weather conditions. The findings of this study have important implications for transportation planning. The paper recommends the need to incorporate non-motorized spaces and walkways into various levels of urban planning and implementation to foster a more walkable environment and encourage active transportation in the city.

Identification of a "Blue Zone" in the Netherlands: A Genetic, Personal, Sociocultural, and Environmental Profile.

"Blue Zones" (BZs) are regions with exceptionally high numbers of longevous inhabitants. Several factors have been suggested to promote longevity in BZs, but the evidence generally does not meet scientific quality criteria. We aimed to characterize a municipality as a "relative BZ," satisfying 3 criteria: compared to other municipalities, more exceptionally longevous inhabitants, a higher life expectancy, and a more stable population. The population-based Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam has been ongoing since 1992 in 11 municipalities across the Netherlands with 3- or 4-yearly measurement waves. Using all available waves, we included 39 genetic, personal, sociocultural, and environmental characteristics. One municipality satisfied the 3 BZ criteria. In comparison with participants in other municipalities in the same province and other provinces in the Netherlands, BZ-participants more often had a polygenic risk score linked to longevity, smoked less, consumed less alcohol and more fruit, biked more minutes, did more often paid work, practiced singing more often, attached higher importance to religion, and lived in a more walkable and livable environment. In contrast, BZ-participants had a slower walking speed, more depressive symptoms, felt less purpose in life, had a larger waist circumference, walked and did sports less often, consumed less vegetables, and exchanged less instrumental support. Other indicators of their physical and mental health and social connectedness did not substantially differ from non-BZ-participants. Rather than clues to healthy aging, our findings suggest factors conducive to longevity regardless of impaired health.

Evaluation of Smartphone Technology on Spatiotemporal Gait in Older and Diseased Adult Populations.

Objective: Advancements in smartphone technology provide availability to evaluate movement in a more practical and feasible manner, improving clinicians' ability to diagnose and treat adults at risk for mobility loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a smartphone application to measure spatiotemporal outcomes during level (primary) and uphill/downhill (secondary) walking with and without an assistive device for older adults (OAs), Parkinson's Disease (PD) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) populations. Methods: A total of 50 adults (OA = 20; PD = 15; CVA = 15) underwent gait analysis at self-selected gait speeds under 0-degree, 5-degree uphill and 5-degree downhill environments. The validity and reliability of the smartphone outcomes were compared to a motion-capture laboratory. Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate limits of agreement between the two systems. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to determine absolute agreement, and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to assess the strength of the association between the two systems. Results: For level walking, Bland-Altman analysis revealed relatively equal estimations of spatiotemporal outcomes between systems for OAs without an assistive device and slight to mild under- and overestimations of outcomes between systems for PD and CVA with and without an assistive device. Moderate to very high correlations between systems (without an assistive device: OA r-range, 0.72-0.99; PD r-range, 0.87-0.97; CVA r-range, 0.56-0.99; with an assistive device: PD r-range, 0.35-0.98; CVA r-range, 0.50-0.99) were also observed. Poor to excellent ICCs for reliability between systems (without an assistive device: OA ICC range, 0.71-0.99; PD ICC range, 0.73-0.97; CVA ICC range, 0.56-0.99; with an assistive device: PD ICC range, 0.22-0.98; CVA ICC range, 0.44-0.99) were observed across all outcomes. Conclusions: This smartphone application can be clinically useful in detecting most spatiotemporal outcomes in various walking environments for older and diseased adults at risk for mobility loss.

The Moderating Effects of Urban Design on Willingness to Walk in a Tropical City

Walkability and the willingness to walk (WTW) are enhanced with supportive urban design in temperate climate cities. Walking in a tropical city is challenged by the physiological stresses brought on by high air temperature, intense sunlight and humidity but it remains unknown to what extent urban design compensates for these stressors in walking behaviour. In this study, the relative impacts of the walking environment and microclimate on WTW and on walking distance were measured in a field study in Singapore. Participants executed a planned walk and reported assessments of 10 environmental factors, as well as WTW, at assigned locations. Restoration in WTW was observed at certain points on the itinerary across participants, while total voluntary walked distance equalled that of an indoor, air-conditioned walk at the same location. All environmental design variables showed a positive relationship with WTW, but not with objectively measured temperature and humidity. Urban design has a significant impact on willingness to walk in a tropical city.

The Moderating Effects of Urban Design on Willingness to Walk in a Tropical City

Walkability and the willingness to walk (WTW) are enhanced with supportive urban design in temperate climate cities. Walking in a tropical city is challenged by the physiological stresses brought on by high air temperature, intense sunlight and humidity but it remains unknown to what extent urban design compensates for these stressors in walking behaviour. In this study, the relative impacts of the walking environment and microclimate on WTW and on walking distance were measured in a field study in Singapore. Participants executed a planned walk and reported assessments of 10 environmental factors, as well as WTW, at assigned locations. Restoration in WTW was observed at certain points on the itinerary across participants, while total voluntary walked distance equalled that of an indoor, air-conditioned walk at the same location. All environmental design variables showed a positive relationship with WTW, but not with objectively measured temperature and humidity. Urban design has a significant impact on willingness to walk in a tropical city.

Examining the spatial and social heterogeneities of accessing hierarchical healthcare services through the lens of equity: A case study of the central urban area in Shanghai, China

Achieving equal access to healthcare is an essential goal of the Sustainable Development Goals and a key criterion for building healthy communities. In this study, we examine the spatial and social heterogeneities of accessing hierarchical healthcare services through the lens of equity in the central urban area of Shanghai. The BFCA method is applied to analyze the accessibility to healthcare with various levels of services and via travel modes from communities and identify communities with a spatial mismatch. The relationship between factors, including socio-economic factors, health status, medical choice, and accessing healthcare services are examined using a multi-nominal logistic model. The results show that 1) Accessing healthcare performs a spatial mismatch and core-periphery disparity in the central urban area. 2) The lacking the accessibility to high-tier healthcare and a walkable environment are two main spatial equity issues, especially the latter one. 3) The inequities of access to healthcare facilities are systematic differences in factors including age, family income, family expenditure, medical choice, and health status. The results highlight the geographic and demographic disparities in healthcare services through the lens of equity and provide suggestions to improve the healthcare coverage and develop a sustainable and healthy-oriented city.

Correlation Analysis between Walking Permeability and Walking Effort (Case Study Terminals in Bandung City)

Abstract Bandung was chosen as a pilot area for Indonesian Mass Transit (MASTRAN) project to increase urban mobility and accessibility. With this MASTRAN project, public transportation nodes should be accessible by all modes, one of which is walking. However, in urban areas in Indonesia, walking activities are still not an option. According to some studies, this is caused by the lack of walking infrastructure and environment feasibility. Therefore, the quality of pedestrian infrastructure and environment must be improved to make these public transportation nodes easy for pedestrians to reach. In this case, walking permeability and walking effort assessment are chosen as tools to assess the pedestrian walkability. By doing these assessments, it is found that Kiaracondong Station has the largest average WPDI and WPTI values with values of 1.48 and 1.90 respectively. In addition, it is found that The South Bandung Station has the biggest walking effort index which value is 1.66. By analyzing both assessments, it can be concluded that the increase of WPDI tends to increase WPTI. Besides, it also can be concluded that stations have higher time increments than bus terminals due to an increase in the distance required for pedestrian access to the main terminal entrance.

The impact of perceived walking environment on social support for older adults

The idea of new urbanism advocates for promoting social support, defined as the network of care or help a person receives from non-family members, by improving the walking environment and other components of new urbanism. However, the impact of the walking environment on social support, especially from the perspective of older adults’ perceptions, remains unclear. In a rapidly aging urban environment, the demand for walkable living spaces has increased among older adults. One typical measure of the walking environment, walking accessibility, often focuses on travel time and/or distance to different urban opportunities but ignores travelers’ subjective feelings and experiences about the walking environment. These subjective factors are important for policymakers to design, implement, and regulate appropriate plans and strategies to enhance social interaction among older adults at the community level. This study examines how, in the Chinese context, the perceived walking environment is associated with social support, mediated by walking time and perceived level of safety, using generalized structural equation models with data from the 2021 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). The results show that, as compared to walking time, perceived safety is more likely to be influenced by the perceived walking environment, which positively correlates with social support. This suggests that older adults feel more socially supported by their neighbors when they perceive their living environment as safe and walkable. These findings provide new evidence for decision-makers to develop and implement targeted policies on walking accessibility for older adults with better understanding of the relationship between the perceived walking environment and social support.

ANALYZING THE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH WALKABILITY IN A CAMPUS SETTING FROM USERS' PERSPECTIVES

ABSTRACT Due to its potential to encourage more sustainable urban settings, the term walkability has gained importance in recent years. Consequently, there has been an increased interest among researchers in understanding which factors encourage walkability. In this context, university campuses, as a part of a city, offer opportunities for walkability studies to investigate the factors affecting walking behavior. Although there are a few campus walkability studies in literature, further research is still needed to add to the body of knowledge in various geographic and climatic situations. This research aims to understand better factors that influence campus users’ walking behavior from the viewpoints of the campus community by investigating built environment characteristics associated with the campus and its surroundings walkability and other influencing factors. An online questionnaire was established for this purpose. Statistical analyses were conducted using multivariable logistic regression to examine variables that could influence the participants’ willingness to walk. Attitudes toward walking behavior and physical features of the built environment were all found to be significant determinants of campus users’ willingness to walk. In the current study, however, other influencing factors that were identified as significant factors in the literature were not found significant to predict willingness to walk. Moreover, these findings can inform municipal policy-makers and campus management about how to create a walkable campus environment and promote increased walking at a university.

Exploring the group heterogeneity in the impact of social cohesion on the walking frequency of older adults in China.

Walkable neighborhoods are closely related to an increase in walking frequency and the strengthening of social cohesion. These factors, in turn, contribute to lower BMI and other positive health-related outcomes. However, with a rapid increase in aging populations in China and the fact that women are facing more challenges than men as they age, especially mobility challenges because they tend to live longer leading to probabilities to become widowed. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to understanding the gender difference between these relationships. Based on a survey of 533 older adults in Dalian, China, this study tried to investigate the intertwined relationship between perceived walkability, social cohesion, walking frequency, and BMI. A Structural Equation Model (SEM) and multiple-group analysis were applied to test the proposed framework. First, results show that gender differences existed among the above interrelationships, and the most substantial gender gap was found in effects of social cohesion on BMI. Second, perceived walkability only has a direct effect (0.149) on walking frequencies for female seniors. Third, although the relationships between perceived walkability and BMI are not directly related in both male and female models, the indirect connection (-0.053) is substituted for female seniors. Besides, the inhibiting effect of walking on BMI, which is -0.511, is also valid for female seniors. Finally, in terms of the role of social cohesion, both the positive impacts of perceived walkability on it (0.225 for males and 0.325 for females) and its promoting effects on walking have been confirmed in male (0.142) and female models (0.103). The negative direct effect of social cohesion on BMI (-0.083) is only confirmed in male seniors. Insights derived from this analysis can help bring forward gender-specific interventions to build a more inclusive walkable and social environment to improve the mobility and physical health of older adults.

Developing a Methodology to Assess Pedestrian Walkability in the City Markets Using Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Techniques

City markets are one of the busiest urban areas in India and experience heavy pedestrian footfall. This study uses multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) techniques to rank market roads based on the existing condition of pedestrian infrastructure. A set of seven key attributes was identified containing 28 sub-attributes influencing pedestrian walkability. Videography and photographic surveys were conducted at selected roads of Aminabad Market (AM) in Lucknow, and Silchar Market (SM) in Silchar. Attribute weights were calculated using the entropy weight method, and the roads were ranked using the analytical hierarchy process, the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution, and a novel walkability metric called the Market Walkability Index. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was found to be more than 0.9 among all three methods, indicating conformity in ranking. Internal or minor roads of both the market areas (AM and SM) were observed to be the most used roads of the market areas for pedestrian movement. Still, they were not safe and walkable for pedestrian movement, indicating that more emphasis is required on these roads to improve the overall quality of the pedestrian walking environment. Research findings are expected to be essential inputs for rational decision-making about pedestrian infrastructure improvement in developing countries, which could contribute to a safer and more efficient environment for pedestrian movement.

Urban environment exposures, energy balance-related behaviors and their combination in preschoolers from three European countries

BackgroundUrban environments are characterized by many factors that may influence children’s energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs), but there is limited research on the impact of prospective exposure to multiple urban factors in preschoolers. We evaluated prospective associations between various urban exposures and EBRBs in preschoolers across Europe, with EBRBs considered both individually and combined into lifestyle patterns. MethodsWe used data from 4,073 preschoolers (aged 3–4 years) participating in three European cohorts from the EU Child Cohort Network: BiB (United Kingdom), EDEN (France), and INMA (Spain). Eighteen built and food environment, green spaces, road traffic and ambient air pollution exposures were characterized at residential addresses. Various EBRBs were considered as the outcomes including screen time, sleep duration and diet (fruit, vegetables, discretionary sweet foods, sweet beverages) individually and combined into unhealthy lifestyle patterns, using principal components analysis. Associations between urban exposures and outcomes were estimated using a single-exposure analysis and the deletion-substitution-addition algorithm was used to construct multi-exposure models. ResultsIn multi-exposure models, greater walkability and smaller distance to the nearest road were associated with higher scores on the unhealthy lifestyle patterns. Likewise, greater walkability was associated with higher screen time and more frequent discretionary sweet food consumption. A smaller distance to the nearest road was also associated with lower sleep duration and more frequent sweet beverages consumption. On the other hand, higher levels of street connectivity showed an inverse association with the unhealthy lifestyle patterns. In the same vein, greater street connectivity was associated with decreased screen time. ConclusionThis comprehensive examination of multiple urban exposures indicates that residing in walkable environments and in close proximity to roads in densely-populated areas may not be advantageous for children EBRBs, while residing in neighborhoods with higher street connectivity appears to supposedly be beneficial.

Exploring walking choices in urban green streetscapes through the lens of the theory of planned behavior

This study employed the theory of planned behavior to examine how green urban spaces influence walking behaviors, with a focus on Chongqing’s Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street. Using structural equation modelling to analyse survey data from 401 respondents, this study assessed the relationships between attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, walking intentions, and actions. The results revealed that attitudes toward walking (β = 0.335, p < 0.001) and subjective norms (β = 0.221, p < 0.001) significantly predict walking intentions, which strongly determine actual walking behavior (β = 0.379, p < 0.001). Moreover, perceived behavioral control exerts a direct significant impact on walking actions (β = 0.332, p < 0.001), illustrating that both environmental and social factors are crucial in promoting pedestrian activity. These findings suggest that enhancing the appeal and accessibility of urban green spaces can significantly encourage walking, providing valuable insights for urban planning and public health policy. This study can guide city planners and health professionals in creating more walkable and health-conducive urban environments.

Redefining active mobility from spatial to social in Singapore

IntroductionWalking is an active mobility option with health and social benefits. Many cities including Singapore are expanding pedestrian infrastructure and creating walkable neighbourhoods. But the connection of neighbourhood walkability and walking behaviour among residents, especially older adults remains less examined. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between everyday walking behaviours and neighbourhood design characteristics. MethodsUtilising generative focus group discussions with 12 participants, including older adults, this exploratory research collected personal and collective stories on residents' walks around Singapore's high-rise, high-density public housing neighbourhoods of Tampines Town, including their attitudes, aversions, and aspects of environmental barriers and enablers for walking. ResultsAll 12 participants had walked in their neighbourhoods during the 7 days preceding the focus group discussion. A key motivation for walking in the neighbourhood was everyday life activities and needs, such as to get out of the house, walking for food, groceries, work, exercise, and health, reinforcing the pivotal role of these opportunities in residents’ active mobility life space and the availability and accessibility to these local facilities. Drawing on their everyday lived experiences, participants shared their conception of walkable neighbourhood, the adequacy of neighbourhood places for walking, the environmental barriers and enablers. Older participants spoke about walkable environments helping them to reach essential destinations safely every day and contributing to not only their physical health but also social and mental health (through contact with nature and interaction with neighbours and others within the neighbourhood). Where they would walk is often influenced by their perception of the place, sense of safety, and the presence/absence of services. ConclusionsThe findings lend local priorities for walkable neighbourhoods based on what residents think and blending social consensus. The policy implication is a need to consider both place enhancement and people's experience, including experiential micro-social and psychological aspects and their interlinkages when designing inclusive walkable neighbourhood.

A Study on Street Design to Revitalize Start-up Culture and Improve Walking Environment - Focused on the Start-up Culture Street Development in Heukseok-ro, Seoul -

A Study on Street Design to Revitalize Start-up Culture and Improve Walking Environment - Focused on the Start-up Culture Street Development in Heukseok-ro, Seoul -

WHAT MOTIVATES STUDENTS TO WALK IN A HILLY UNIVERSITY CAMPUS?

Walking is a daily activity undertaken by campus users for trips within or outside the campus. Walking purposes are either utilitarian or hedonistic. Walkable campuses are important for the health and wellbeing of its users. This study is part of an on-going research to assess the built environment factors that influence the walkability of a hilly campus and students’ perceptions towards leisure walking in the campus. Case study method is used to study the campus environment and its influence on walkability within the campus. The motivation factors are recreation and transportation which are influenced by weather, distance between facilities, shade and resting places along the walking routes. Findings of this qualitative study provide a preliminary analysis of the user’s perspective about campus walking environment of a hilly terrain.

Associations of neighborhood social cohesion and changes in BMI-The Maastricht Study.

The role of the social environment can facilitate positive health outcomes through active community engagement, normalization of healthy behaviors, and stress buffering. We aim to examine the associations of neighborhood social cohesion with changes in BMI over time. A total of 7641 participants from The Maastricht Study between the ages of 40 and 75 years were analyzed. Weight and height were measured at baseline, and weight was self-reported annually up to 10 years of follow-up (median = 4.7 years). Perceived social cohesion was obtained by questionnaire. Home addresses for each participant were linked to geographic information system data from the Geoscience and Health Cohort Consortium to create neighborhood exposure variables including area level social cohesion, neighborhood walkability, and food environment within a 1000 m Euclidian buffer. Linear regression analyses were performed with BMI adjusted for socioeconomic variables. A mixed model analysis was carried out to examine changes in BMI. Living in the highest quartile area of individually perceived social cohesion was associated with lower BMI (Q4 B: -.53; 95% CI = -.79, -.28) compared to the lowest quartile. Similar findings were discovered using the area level measure (Q4 B: -.97; 95% CI = -1.29, -.65). There was no longitudinal association between social cohesion and BMI. Neighborhood social cohesion was associated with lower BMI classifying it as an obesogenic area characteristic that influences weight, independent of conventional built environment features.