Tag

Walkability

All articles tagged with #walkability

society26 days ago

Why Don't America Have More European-Style Public Squares?

Americans crave community spaces like European squares, but most US cities lack these walkable, communal areas due to car-centric urban planning, historical development patterns, and infrastructure priorities. While some American cities have historic squares and new developments like car-free communities are emerging, widespread adoption faces significant challenges. Travel abroad has inspired many Americans to seek more walkable, social urban environments, highlighting a cultural shift towards valuing community spaces.

health5 months ago

Living in Walkable Cities Significantly Increases Daily Walking

A large-scale study using smartphone data and a natural experiment of relocations across US cities shows that increased walkability in urban environments leads to significant rises in physical activity, including more daily steps and moderate-to-vigorous activity, which could improve public health outcomes. The findings suggest that urban planning focused on walkability can effectively promote physical activity across diverse demographic groups, with potential to help meet national physical activity guidelines.

health5 months ago

Living in Walkable Cities Increases Daily Steps by Over 1,000

A study found that moving to a more walkable city can add about 1,100 steps to daily activity, significantly increasing the likelihood of meeting exercise guidelines, with the biggest gains seen in cities like New York. However, women over 50 did not experience the same benefits, possibly due to safety and other concerns. Improving urban walkability could help millions meet physical activity targets and reduce health costs.

health1 year ago

Insights on Fitness from a Study of 11,000 Twins

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology analyzed data from 11,000 twins across the U.S. and found that increasing neighborhood walkability by 55% can lead to a 23% rise in weekly walking minutes, offering significant public health benefits. The research highlights the importance of walkable environments, characterized by dense amenities and public transit access, in promoting physical activity among residents. While walkability boosts walking rates, it doesn't significantly impact more vigorous exercises like running or weightlifting.