Unsurprisingly, People Enjoy Walking More in Safe, Green Spaces

New research shows that people are likely to walk more in places that are both walkable and green.

1 minute read

June 15, 2022, 11:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


High Line park NYC - Manhattan - New York City

The High Line park in New York City combines walkability with greenery. | David Berkowitz / Flickr

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that people who spend time in walkable, green neighborhoods engage in more physical exercise. As reported by Megan Skrip for NC State University News, “The analysis, led by former NC State postdoctoral scholar Oriol Marquet, used wearable sensors and satellite data to link people’s activity levels with the walkability and greenness of where they spent their time.” While unsurprising, these findings indicate that coordinated improvements to pedestrian infrastructure and green spaces can improve public health. According to study co-author Aaron Hipp, “It’s unfortunately rare to live or work in a neighborhood that has the walking infrastructure like sidewalks, destinations like a spot for lunch, and are green and shaded. This work again supports that the best environments have all three.” 

“The new findings suggest that having opportunities to walk between home, work and other destinations is likely to boost physical activity, as long as those areas are also very green.” The study’s authors recommend “interventions to plant vegetation should focus on doing so in areas where walkability is high to maximize opportunities for physical activity.” 

Other research similarly suggests that, while hard infrastructure like sidewalks are an important factor in walkability, other elements—such as air quality, shade, and access to essential services—all contribute to a neighborhood’s walkability and the health of its residents.

Tuesday, June 14, 2022 in NCSU News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

3 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Person wearing mask walking through temporary outdoor dining setup lined with bistro lights at dusk in New York City.

Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?

Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.

June 19, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly

Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Aerial view of new neifhborhood under construction with enpty lots in foreground.

In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won

A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.

4 hours ago - CALmatters

Low-rise Pearl Sreet mall in Boulfer, Colorado.

Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide

Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.

5 hours ago - Boulder Reporting Lab

Two-story buildings with porches in walkable Florida neighborhood.

Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code

The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.

6 hours ago - CNU Public Square