Walkable Neighborhoods and Urban Microclimates
The design of urban microclimates should figure greatly in developing healthier communities. Many of these effects on pedestrian comfort are within the architect’s and city’s control, given building massing, orientation, amenities, and material selections. Walkable neighborhoods are only good if people feel comfortable walking.
People who live in communities with sidewalks on most streets are 47% more likely to get moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least five days a week for at least 30 minutes each day compared to residents of neighborhoods with sidewalks on few or no streets.
Investments in a community’s walkability typically increase land value by 70 to 300% and retail sales by 30%.
A man of average height and weight weighed 10 pounds less if he lived in a walkable neighborhood instead of a less walkable neighborhood. A woman of average size weighed six pounds less.
Open Spaces
People who live within one mile of a public park or open space are three times more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels. Just having a park near one’s home is more important than the size of the park itself, with the health benefits most apparent among the aging and people in underserved communities.
Incentive Active Behaviors
Provide amenities such as bike racks, street lamps, public art, benches, and bus shelters to turn sidewalks into more appealing places.
Include street trees and benches along sidewalks to provide shade and respite for pedestrians and joggers.
Provide maps and signage oriented to pedestrians – with mileage and key destination points in the area – to help people feel at ease about walking and biking.
Create adaptable, multiuse spaces for community gathering, play, and social activity for all ages.
Accommodate diverse uses (for example, dog parks, skate parks, and picnic facilities).
Respond to the local climate by providing shelters that offer shade and wind protection.
Install drinking fountains to encourage water consumption and support longer play.