Top 10 Walkability Features
Not just the top ten, but the ten qualifiers of walkability used by the Brookings Institution in their assessment of neighborhoods. Walkability is a topic of major importance today because of its weight in improving urban economics. The ability to walk in a community is a function of the quality of the urban fabric, that is the presence of interesting places like parks, shops, and cultural and civic amenities within walking distance. Millenials and Baby-Boomers, who together represent the majority of American adults today, are driving less and seeking walkable places to live. It is no mistake or coincidence that bike riding has recently become a hot topic, as high-quality bike infrastructure such as protected lanes leads to safer sidewalks and better mobility in general.
Urban Design Dimension | Features of Walkability |
Aesthetics | Attractiveness, open views, outdoor dining, maintenance |
Connectivity | Potential barriers such as wide thoroughfares |
Density | Building concentrations and heights |
Form | Streetscape discontinuity |
Pedestrian Amenities | Curb cuts, sidewalks, street furniture |
Personal Safety | Graffiti, litter, barred windows |
Physical Activities | Recreational tools like exercise uses |
Proximity of Uses | Non-residential land uses in vicinity |
Public Spaces and Parks | Plazas, playing fields, playgrounds |
Traffic Measures | Traffic calming |