A significant national research effort has provided compelling evidence supporting the benefits of “walkable” neighborhoods, demonstrating that the design of our environment can truly enhance walking habits.
Published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the study analyzed around 11,000 twins, allowing researchers to account for genetic and familial influences. Findings revealed that a 1% rise in a neighborhood’s “walkability” corresponds to a 0.42% increase in walking within that area. To put it in perspective, if neighborhood walkability improved by 55%, it could lead to approximately 23% more walking overall — translating to about 19 more minutes of walking each week for every resident.
This research holds significant implications for public health, especially in a country like the U.S., where many individuals are quite inactive, according to Glen Duncan, a professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at Washington State University and lead author of the study.
“A large portion of the U.S. population does not engage in sufficient physical activity. Increasing just the number of people who incorporate walking into their routines could yield meaningful health improvements,” Duncan noted. He is also the director of the Washington State Twin Registry.
The study categorized neighborhoods as walkable based on an index evaluating the density of population, roadways, and proximity to appealing destinations such as shops, parks, eateries, and cafes. Participants from various locations across the U.S. were included, with more walkable neighborhoods typically being urban.
For instance, Duncan highlighted Seattle’s Capitol Hill as a prime example of a walkable community due to its array of shops and restaurants, along with access to public transport systems like buses and light rail. Conversely, suburban and rural areas were generally less walkable, with residents needing to drive to reach essentials like grocery stores and other facilities.
The study analyzed data collected from surveys involving 5,477 twin pairs between 2009 and 2020, focusing on their living situation and weekly walking duration for activities like recreation, exercise, or commuting. The results indicated that individuals in more walkable areas tended to walk more frequently.
The research team also examined whether a neighborhood’s walkability influenced public transportation use; however, few participants reported using transit. Nonetheless, residing in a walkable area decreased the likelihood of not using any transport by 32%.
While living in a walkable environment did not significantly impact vigorous exercise activities, the authors mentioned that such exercises occur outside neighborhood confines. For instance, someone might engage in high-intensity biking far beyond their immediate area.
Regardless, Duncan stressed that walking is an excellent and straightforward approach to enhancing health. It contributes to the recommended 150 minutes of weekly physical activity.
“There’s no need for expensive fitness gear. Walking is a natural activity; all it takes is putting on some shoes and stepping outside,” he advised.
Alongside Duncan, the study’s co-authors included researchers from the University of Washington, University of Southern California, University of Virginia, Columbia University, and WSU.
