Citation

Lachapelle U, Noland RB. Int. J. Sustain. Transp. 2015; 9(2): 103-115.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15568318.2012.742947

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Higher crime rates theoretically deter walking, yet empirical analyses show mixed results. It is hypothesized that more walking occurs in low-income, high-density municipalities that have higher crime rates. Gender, car ownership and relative wealth may also moderate associations between crime and walking. A statewide New Jersey survey (n = 673) of walking was linked to crime and census data. Women were more likely to walk for exercise, but less likely as crime rose. Carless households and wealthier respondents did more non-discretionary walking, but walked less in municipalities with higher crime rates. Poorer, high-density municipalities have higher crime rates and more walking.