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The development of a walkability index: application to the Neighborhood Quality of Life Study

British Journal of Sports MedicinePublished 29 April 2009
Lawrence D. Frank, James F. Sallis, Brian E. Saelens, Lauren Leary, K. P. Cain, Terry L. Conway
Citations1,271
SJR quartileQ1
SJR score4.72
SNIP4.50

TL;DR

An integrated index for operationalising walkability using parcel-level information is proposed based on transportation and urban planning literatures, which supports a link between neighbourhood built environment and physical activity.

Abstract

Emerging evidence supports a link between neighbourhood built environment and physical activity. Systematic methodologies for characterising neighbourhood built environment are needed that take advantage of available population information such as census-level demographics. Based on transportation and urban planning literatures, an integrated index for operationalising walkability using parcel-level information is proposed. Validity of the walkability index is examined through travel surveys among areas examined in the Neighborhood Quality of Life Study (NQLS), a study investigating built environment correlates of adults' physical activity.

Keywords

Social SciencesMedicineEnvironmental Science