Identifying and Measuring Urban Design Qualities Related to Walkability
Source: Journal of Physical Activity and Health
"Urban designers presume that urban design qualities are important for walkability, but have little empirical evidence to back the claim. Until urban design qualities can be measured, and the propensity to walk can be related empirically to these measures, this presumption remains untested. This study developed operational definitions and measurement protocols for nine urban design qualities of streetscapes. The operational definitions take the form of statistically-derived equations that link objectively measured physical features of the environment to ratings of urban design qualities. The product of this research has been a field survey instrument and training manual to be used by researchers. Further testing and refinement of this instrument is needed."
