Walkability: the physical and psychological ease of walking in a given environment.
Walkability assesses how easy it is for pedestrians to move along walking routes and streets. It is a measure of a neighborhood's appearance, the ability to socialize and to build community.
Many of the elements that create walkability such as trees, wide sidewalks and connectivity make neighborhoods safer, present a pleasant, hospitable environment and foster economic development.
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Components that create walkability:
Sidewalks wide enough for at least two people Pedestrian controlled crosswalks. Narrow streets. Green Relief: View of vegetation to the front or side. Noise level that allows comfortable conversation. Ten minutes walking distance to social spaces (parks, shopping). Frequent mass transit stops. Connectivity. Street trees along most of the street. Predominant use of local materials and plants in landscape. Repetitive and consistent identity markers and signage.
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Large trees can dramatically improve the livability of the urban landscape.
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