Pedestrian-Friendly Environments and Active Travel for Residents of Multifamily Housing: The Role of Preferences and Perceptions
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Date
2011-03-15
Authors
Larco, Nico
Steiner, Bethany
Stockard, Jean
West, Amanda
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Abstract
This article examines the relationship of the built environment to physical activity in suburban multifamily housing developments in a medium-sized city, testing Alfonzo’s (2005) model of decisions regarding active travel. All complexes were within one-quarter mile of a shopping area with a major grocery store, but varied in pedestrian friendliness. Survey data were gathered on travel behavior to the stores, sociodemographic characteristics, preferences for an “active” environment, and perceptions of the extent to
which their environment promoted activity. Multilevel analyses showed that residents in more pedestrian-friendly areas had significantly more active travel and less driving travel, indicating a substitution, rather than a supplementation, effect. Results remained when preferences for an “active” environment were controlled and, in most cases, when perceptions of the environment were controlled. It is suggested that Alfonzo’s model of decisions regarding walking behavior be amended to include direct influences of urban form on travel behavior.
Description
31 pages
Keywords
Active Travel, Pedestrian-friendly Design, Obesity, Multifamily Housing
Citation
Larco, N., Steiner, B., Stockard, J., & West, A. (2011). Pedestrian-Friendly Environments and Active Travel for Residents of Multifamily Housing: The Role of Preferences and Perceptions. Environment and Behavior, 44(3), 303- 333. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916511402061