Validating walkability indices: How do different households respond to the walkability of their neighborhood?

This study uses home-based trips obtained from the 2003 Montréal Origin–Destination survey to examine the correlation of walkability scores with household travel behavior while controlling for individual, household and trip characteristics. Further clustering of households allows the calculation of elasticities across household types. The findings show that walkability indices are highly correlated with walking trips for most non-work trip purposes, although socio-demographic characteristics also play a key role. Additionally households with more mobility choices are more sensitive to their surroundings than those with less choice. Our findings highlight the fact that a walkability index will not have the same correlation with travel behavior for all individuals or households.

Research highlights
► Walkability indices are correlated with walking for non-work trip purposes.
► However, socio-demographic characteristics also play a key role.
► Correlation varies by individual, household and trip characteristics.
► More mobility options make individuals more sensitive to their surroundings.