A new study underscores the implications of neighborhood design on physical activity, revealing that more walkable areas substantially increase residents’ walking habits. The research, which included data from around 11,000 twins, found a significant correlation between walkability and walking time, pointing to potential public health benefits.
Adding compelling evidence to the argument for “walkable” neighborhoods, a comprehensive national study has demonstrated that the built environment can significantly increase individuals’ walking habits. The study, recently published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, highlights a robust link between neighborhood walkability and physical activity by examining approximately 11,000 twins, thereby effectively controlling for genetic and familial influences.
The findings reveal that a mere 1% increase in an area’s walkability results in a 0.42% rise in neighborhood walking. When scaled up, this translates into a 55% increase in walkability generating about 23% more walking, equating to roughly 19 additional minutes of walking per week for each resident in that area.
The study’s lead author, Glen Duncan, a professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at Washington State University and the director of the Washington State Twin Registry, emphasized the potential public health benefits of this increase in walking activity.
“We have so many people in the U.S. population who don’t get sufficient activity. If we could shift the percentage of the population that just took on more plain old walking, we would see real health benefits,” Duncan said in a news release.
Neighborhoods were evaluated for walkability using an index that considers factors such as population density, the network of roads and the presence of amenities like stores, parks, restaurants and coffee shops.
The twin pairs studied were located across the United States, with more walkable areas typically found in urban settings. Duncan cited Seattle’s Capitol Hill area as a prime example of a walkable neighborhood, noted for its abundant shops, restaurants and access to public transit.
The study’s analysis encompassed data from surveys of 5,477 pairs of twins between 2009 and 2020. These surveys provided information regarding their living conditions and the number of minutes they walked in an average week, which included any purpose such as recreation, exercise or commuting. The results were clear: individuals living in more walkable areas walked more often.
The researchers also explored the impact of walkability on public transit use. Although only a minority of study participants regularly used public transit, living in a walkable neighborhood reduced the likelihood of having no transit use by 32%.
While walkability did not significantly affect more intense forms of exercise like running or weightlifting, which are not necessarily confined to one’s neighborhood, Duncan maintained that walking remains an accessible and highly beneficial form of exercise. It contributes to the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
“You don’t have to spend loads of money on fitness clothing and the best gear. Walking is a very natural thing. You just lace on some shoes and head out the door,” Duncan added.
In addition to Washington State University, co-authors of the study include researchers from the University of Washington, University of Southern California, University of Virginia and Columbia University.
This groundbreaking study sheds light on the advantages of designing more walkable neighborhoods, suggesting a simple yet effective means for enhancing public health across the board. As urban areas continue to develop, integrating walkability into community planning could yield significant health benefits for residents nationwide.