Provide Walkable Communities
What are Walkable Communities?
Walkable communities are those communities that are planned, designed, constructed and maintained to be more walkable and pedestrian friendly. Walkable communities are desirable for two factors:
(1) the goods and services that a community member needs on a regular basis are within walking distance, and (2) transportation options expand as pedestrian activity increases, creating a community that serves pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and automobiles.
What are the Sustainability Benefits?
Walkable communities provide economic, social and environmental benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Energy Savings
- Greater Social Interaction
- Increased Physical Fitness
- Lower Transportation Costs
- Reduced Ozone Impact
Potential Strategies for Implementation
The planning and implementation of walkable communities require many types of activities, including:
- Community Training Courses and Workshops,
- Walkable Audits (to determine specific problems and solutions), and
- Planning and Visioning Charettes to Facilitate Community Planning Efforts
Desired Regional End-State
The desired regional end-state is the implementation of policies and programs by local governments to support walkable community efforts and the subsequent planning and designing of walkable communities.
Measures of Progress/Metrics
The following factors are effective measures of progress:
- Land Use Pattern
- Mixed Use Development