What's the key to walkability?

In urban planning spaces, a term often used is walkability. But what is walkability & how do we get it into our urban spaces?

"Walking is an excellent way to help people become more active and improve their health." according to an article by the CDC. But what is walkability? Walkability is an area's or neighborhood's friendliness to walking. Local examples would be the Highlands or Nulu.

Does walkability mean gentrification?

According to walkscore.com, Louisville has a walk score of 34 & a bike score of 43. Any urban area or neighborhood; regardless of crime rate, average income, poverty rate, or homelessness rate; can become a walkable area. Take cities like Baltimore, Philadelphia, & Cleveland for example, all with high crime and poverty rates but are still walkable & bikeable places to live. To prove it, Baltimore's walkability score is 64; almost double that of Louisville.

How is walkability achieved?

It's quite simple really; give less space to cars & more space to people. What does that mean? It means wider sidewalks, less lanes on roads, protected bike lanes, & improving public transit corridors. But is it really this simple? No, but that is usually the first step. Afterwards, denser housing, transit oriented development, & locality all play an important role in walkability.

Why is walkability needed?

There are a few key reasons why walkability is important. People who live in walkable neighborhoods show signs of improved mental & physical health, more eco-friendly lifestyle, & more economic prosperity.

Lets all strive to bring walkability to West Louisville & build better! We could all benefit from the pros of walkable neighborhoods both inward and outward.