The Walk Score describes how accessible various destinations are to a person walking on foot. This may influence a person’s level of physical activity.
Destinations may include:
(1) grocery store
(2) coffee shop
(3) restaurant
(4) parks
(5) libraries
(6) fitness center
(7) schools
(8) parks
(9) hardware stores
(10) clothing stores
(11) music stores
(12) bars
(13) theaters
(14) drug stores
The walk score ranges from 0 to 100.
Score |
Term |
Errands by Foot |
Errands by Transport |
0 to 24 |
car dependent |
none |
all or almost all |
25 to 49 |
car dependent |
few |
most |
50 to 69 |
somewhat walkable |
some |
some |
70 to 89 |
very walkable |
most |
few |
90 to 100 |
walker’s paradise |
all or almost all |
none |
The counter to walkability is the need for some means of transportation (car, bike, public transport).
Factors influencing ability to walk to a destination:
(1) concurrent illness or disability
(2) safety of neighborhood
(3) physical barriers blocking a direct route (expressways, rivers, etc)
(4) religious constraints
(5) availability of delivery services