Does Walkability Equal Walking?

Using data from the Women’s Health Initiative, a new study reveals that a walkable environment may not be enough to get people to walk more.

1 minute read

April 8, 2013, 6:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

Keith Seinfeld discusses what Cindy Perry, a professor at the University of Washington School of Nursing, found when she compared data about the walking habits of Seattle area women with information on the walkability of their neighborhoods.

“'We did not find a clear relationship between the walkability of the neighborhood, those factors, and the women’s level of walking,' said Perry, the lead author of the study published in Health & Place....It didn’t seem to matter whether the women lived near leafy streets with interesting destinations nearby, or in a cul-de-sac far from shops and parks."

'Just having a beautiful environment isn’t going to move people from the couch to walking,' said Perry. A walkable environment can help, but it's not enough."

FULL STORY: Study: Residents of walkable areas don't always walk more

Monday, March 25, 2013 in KPLU

Land Use Social / Demographics Transportation Washington Walkability Walking Women’s Health Initiative View More

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.

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