Walkable Cities Change Behavior, All Over the World

Study finds people walk more in denser cities with more parks no matter what their country of origin.

1 minute read

November 10, 2016, 12:00 PM PST

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Pedestrians

ultramansk / Shutterstock

Walkable cities really do get people walking. According to a cross sectional study of cities around the world found that, "The biggest design factors affecting the amount of 'moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity,' including walking, were: residential density, park and public transport density, and intersection density," writes Charlie Sorrel in an article for Fast Coexist.  

The study, which was carried out in 14 cities sought to, "determine whether or not the cities' layouts themselves were the reason for increased health, as opposed to different lifestyles in different countries," Sorrel writes. The researches found that in cities as different as Baltimore and Bogota, "Dense, mixed-use city streets, with high walkability and ready access to good public transit: We've heard those criteria before. But this study is important because it shows that these factors lead to better public health independent of the economic status of the city or the cultural differences in different countries." 

Thursday, November 10, 2016 in Fast Co.Exist

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.

July 2, 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

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths

Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Google street view of red brick multi-story power plant building in Pittsburgh, PA.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower

A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

1 hour ago - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cyclist on protected bike lane in middle of street in Washington D.C. with Washington Monument obelisk visible in background.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”

The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

2 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business