Philadelphia Quote Blog: Health
Is your community walkable?
The benefits of a walkable community are numerous and positively effect public health and economic concerns. Business can thrive because of increased foot traffic. Residents are encouraged to exercise by participating in every day activities reducing obesity and health care costs. Less gasoline and fuel is consumed thereby decreasing auto pollution and saving residents and city employees hard earned money.
City planners, developers, and local organizations are attempting to meet the demands of residents by making neighborhoods and communities walkable. Pennsylvanians are paying attention and Philadelphia has made great strides towards pedestrian friendly status by adjusting zoning codes that once prohibited progress.
According to Walkscore, a walking community advocate, a neighborhood is walkable when:
- A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a discernable center, whether it's a shopping district, a main street, or a public space.
- Density: The neighborhood is dense enough for local businesses to flourish and for public transportation to be cost effective.
- Mixed income, mixed use: Housing is provided for everyone who works in the neighborhood: young and old, singles and families, rich and poor. Businesses and residences are located near each other.
- Parks and public space: There are plenty of public places to gather and play.
- Accessibility: The neighborhood is accessible to everyone and has wheelchair access, plenty of benches with shade, sidewalks on all streets, etc.
- Well connected, speed controlled streets: Streets form a connected grid that improves traffic by providing many routes to any destination. Streets are narrow to control speed, and shaded by trees to protect pedestrians.
- Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings are placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with parking lots relegated to the back.
- Close schools and workplaces: Schools and workplaces are close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
Other Resources
- Local Government Commission
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
- U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration
- Walkable Communities
Posted on April 3, 2008 in Health, Home
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