Walkability is in demand among all ages

According to the National Association of Realtors, people of all ages want walkable communities. A number of factors affect the walkability of a community or neighborhood. These include zoning and land use planning, which impact whether people live close to everyday destinations like school, work, grocery stores, and entertainment; street design and regulations like parking minimums; the prevalence of people-centered infrastructure such as streetlights, sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes; and the convenience and accessibility of public transit and other mobility options.

Providing transportation options beyond cars is an essential element of sustainable development that allows an area to thrive in key aspects of community life.

Economic viability:

Connecting resources, workers, businesses, and customers with a sustainable, unhindered transportation network helps create an ecosystem of workers, customers, and community with long-term viability.

Environmental health/climate:

Minimizing the need for transportation via car minimizes the emissions an area produces. Because cars are the greatest contributor to hazardous emissions, reducing the need for cars creates a more sustainable environment for residents and the natural resources of an area.

Social equity:

Owning a car is an inaccessible or unsustainable economic burden for many residents, due the large expenses of purchase, titling, insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Increased transportation options also improve mobility for the elderly, disabled, and others with physical limitations, allowing them to access resources more easily and participate more fully in community life.

In addition, health inequality related to the environmental impacts of cars typically falls on children, the economically disadvantaged, and senior citizens. Safe streets create options for healthier modes of transport like walking and biking, which are known to decrease the long-term health ramifications of relying on less physical transportation like cars.

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