A writer in Toronto imagines how the city would be evaluated according to a "Run Score"—a fast-paced version of the Walk Score.
Alexander Bimm writes from Toronto, which has already seen a fair amount of research and investment into the city's walkability, resulting in a position as the second most walkable city in Canada. Given the health benefits, and even potentially the mobility benefits, of running, Bimm wonders about what it would take to produce a new runnability index, something called a "Run Score."
According to Bimm, Toronto has a network of trails that offer runners an embarrassment of riches that could help with a Run Score: "what makes Toronto so great for running is that you can run from your door and promptly arrive to a great network of trails within 10 minutes. In some other cities, by contrast, he has to bike or drive to a nearby trail before starting his run."
As for how the Run Score would be calculated, it would probably resemble the Walk Score. "But scoring runnability might also consider new factors that are based on how convenient it is for people to run in that area," according to Bimm. "In particular, a run score could highlight areas in the city that have access to running facilities and well-maintained trails. It can also consider the topography and speed limits of a neighbourhood."
Bimm also makes the case that the hypothetical run score could benefit planners by notifying them of parts of the city that need additional investments in public health. Residents would benefit by more awareness to the kinds of infrastructure that supports a healthy lifestyle.
Read the full story: Run Score: Mapping Toronto’s Runnability
London Low-Emissions Zone Prompts Shift to Active Modes
More children are using active transportation modes to get to school in the wake of a policy that charges drivers to enter a low-emissions zone in central London.
Green Spaces Benefit Neighborhoods—When Residents can Reach Them
A study comparing green space and walkability scores found that, without effective access to local parks, residents of greener neighborhoods don’t reap the health benefits.
How Long Covid Changes the Transportation Conversation
People living with long Covid symptoms can find themselves unable to make the same mobility choices they used to.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The state-sanctioned urbicide of Austin
People don’t kill cities. Freeways do.
Colorado’s Largest Data Center Could Rise Next to Homes — Without a Public Hearing
The proposed campus would consume 11 times the power of Denver International Airport; as it has across the country, opposition mounts.
Nation's most wind-powered state turns to coal as data centers increase energy demand
For the first time in decades, Iowa has increased its generation of coal power.
NYC cools commuters with city's first rain garden above a bus stop
New York City officials say the plants in the rain garden can absorb 16 gallons of rainwater during heavy storms.
Brightline West’s future may rely on $6 billion federal loan
The company has until Nov. 2 to make a $400 million equity investment into its proposed high-speed rail line.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
Journal of the American Planning Association