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Research Article

Unpacking Walkability: Testing the Influence of Urban Design Features on Perceptions of Walking Environment Attractiveness

By Adkins, A., Dill, J., Luhr, G., & Neal, M.

Full Citation

Adkins, A., Dill, J., Luhr, G., & Neal, M. (2012). Unpacking walkability: Testing the influence of urban design features on perceptions of walking environment attractiveness. Journal of Urban Design, 17(4), 499-510.

Key Findings

This study assessed the individual built environment components that contributed to user perceptions of attractiveness for walking in predominantly single-family neighborhoods. The findings indicate that well-designed green streets, separation from vehicle traffic, pedestrian network connectivity, parks and ‘bounded openness’ contribute to attractiveness of walking environments. Segments on arterial streets and those having convenience stores with open parking lots fronting the street are associated with lower walking attractiveness scores.

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