What causes significant changes in walking? Investigating macro and micro level drivers of walking in neighbourhoods

This project identifies factors that lead to definitive and significant changes in walking patterns in neighbourhoods. Current research on walkability has generally been cross sectional rather than prospective with a few exceptions (Knuiman et al., 2014). This study implements a literature review, a hotspot analysis and a before and after analysis complemented by stakeholder interviews to identify what leads significant neighbourhood level changes in active transport including transportation walking.

Our hypothesis is that a combination of both macro level factors (such as land use changes, new developments, transport infrastructure, neighbourhood safety) and micro level factors (such as footpaths condition, traffic and road conditions, street connectivity) when present and/or changed lead to significant changes in active transport in a neighbourhood. This study thus has direct policy implications. The findings of this study will assist policy makers and state/local governments to enable evidence-based decisions in both macro (infrastructure) and micro (neighbourhood) levels to effectively improve active transport walkability and walking.

Accordion