Citation

Koohsari MJ, Karakiewicz JA, Kaczynski AT. Environ. Behav. 2013; 45(6): 706-736.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0013916512440876

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined how proximity and attractiveness of public open spaces (POSs), perceptions of the surrounding built environment, and street configuration were associated with walking to and within POSs. Residents from three neighborhoods in Melbourne (N = 335) completed a questionnaire about walking and perceptions of their neighborhood, and geographic information systems and space syntax measures were used to assess proximity of POSs and street configuration. Proximity and attractiveness of POSs were not associated with POS-related walking. However, several perceptual qualities of the built environment, including safety from crime and traffic and aesthetics, were associated with greater walking. As well, persons living in areas with the most integrated street configurations reported less POS-related walking. Neighborhood perceptions and street configuration are key urban design issues to consider in promoting residents' use of POS for walking.

Language: en