How Walkable is Your Community?

In a “walkable” neighborhood, it is easy to go places on foot. But what makes a place walkable? Walkable neighborhoods have homes, businesses, parks, and playgrounds close to each other.1,2 When all these places are close together, people can walk from their homes to work, play, and run errands. Public transportation also encourages walking.3 This is because when people take a public transportation, they usually have to walk to the bus stop or train station.

Why should we care if our neighborhoods are walkable? When people live in walkable neighborhoods, they tend to be more active.3-6 Being active increases fitness and helps people be healthier.7-9 In addition, people who live in walkable neighborhoods are more likely to interact with each other. This promotes trust and a feeling of community.10 If it’s safe and convenient to walk, the community can benefit in many ways.

Riding a bicycle is another way to get around while being physically active. Commuting by bike helps kids and adults to get more physical activity.11,12 Cycling can help both kids and adults be more fit.13 It’s possible to design a place to make it easier to bike for fun and for transportation.6 People are more likely to bike if there are safe routes and paths that are separate from car traffic.14

Tips for using the map

  • To view a specific metro area, use the “View Statewide or Zoom to a Metro Area” drop-down menu at the top left.

  • Change the transportation mode share using the drop-down menu at the top right. You can view the percent of the population commuting by walking, biking, or using transit.

  • Hover over the map to show map tools.

    • Click on the magnifying glass to use location search.

    • Click on the + and - buttons to zoom in and out.

    • Click and drag to move the map.

    • The pushpin button will return you to the whole state.

  • Hover over a block group to view more information.

References

1. Smith M, Hosking J, Woodward A. et al. Systematic literature review of built environment effects on physical activity and active transport – an update and new findings on health equity. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2017;14:156 doi:10.1186/s12966-017-0613-9

2. Saelens BE, Handy SL. Built environment correlates of walking: a review. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008;40(7 Suppl):S550–S566. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e31817c67a4

3. Todd M, Adams MA, Kurka J, et al. GIS-measured walkability, transit, and recreation environments in relation to older Adults' physical activity: A latent profile analysis. Prev Med. 2016;93:57–63. doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.09.019

4. McCormack GR, Shiell A. In search of causality: a systematic review of the relationship between the built environment and physical activity among adults. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2011;8:125. doi:10.1186/1479-5868-8-125

5. Hajna S, Ross NA, Brazeau A, et al. Associations between neighbourhood walkability and daily steps in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2015;15:768. doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2082-x

6. Saelens BE, Sallis JF, Frank LD. Environmental correlates of walking and cycling: Findings from the transportation, urban design, and planning literatures, Annals of Behavioral Medicine. 2003;25:80–91. doi:10.1207/S15324796ABM2502_03

7. Feng J, Glass TA, Curriero FC, Stewart WF, Schwartz BS. The built environment and obesity: A systematic review of the epidemiologic evidence, Health & Place 2010;16:175-190. doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2009.09.008

8. Renalds A, Smith TH, Hale PJ. A systematic review of built environment and health, Family & Community Health 2010;33:68-78. doi:10.1097/FCH.0b013e3181c4e2e5

9. Haselwandter MP, Corcoran SC, Folta RH, Fenton M, Nelson ME. The Built Environment, Physical Activity, and Aging in the United States: A State of the Science Review, Journal of Aging and Physical Activity 2015;23:323-329. doi: 10.1123/japa.2013-0151

10. Boniface S, Scantlebury R, Watkins S, Mindell J. Health implications of transport: Evidence of effects of transport on social interactions, Journal of Transport and Health 2015;2:441-446. doi: 10.1016/J.JTH.2015.05.005

11. Faulkner GEJ, Buliung RN, Flora PK, Fusco C. Active school transport, physical activity levels and body weight of children and youth: A systematic review, Preventive Medicine 2009;48:3-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.10.017

12. Pont K, Ziviani J, Wadley D, Bennett S, Abbott R. Environmental correlates of children's active transportation: A systematic literature review, Health & Place 2009;15:849-862. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2009.02.002

13. Oja P, Titze S, Bauman A, et al. Health benefits of cycling: a systematic review, Scandanavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports 2011;21:496-509. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.2011.01299.x

14. Fraser SDS, Lock K. Cycling for transport and public health: a systematic review of the effect of the environment on cycling, European Journal of Public Health 2011;21:738-743. doi: 10.1093/eurpub/ckq145

Part of the Wisconsin Obesity Prevention Initiative