Date: February 1, 2018
Author(s): Evelyn Blumenberg, Madeline Brozen, Carole Turley Voulgaris, Kate Bridges
Abstract
Planners and policymakers know little about walking behavior in California. This makes it hard for them to adequately invest in walking amenities like sidewalks and crossings. This study examines data from California travel surveys and found that walking rates have increased dramatically over time. The built environment has a relatively small effect on walking, and the characteristics of a trip have greater effects on the odds of walking. Planners should facilitate the development of built environments that encourage walking and should support groups that already exhibit high rates of walking. Planners should also collect more data on walking behavior and pedestrian volumes and location.