While the benefits of walkability are clear, it could be difficult how to determine the best approach to budgeting on sidewalk development decisions in order to maximize the efficiency of the investment. This paper presents a methodology and a tool to evaluate the walkability of different areas in a city by focusing on the gap between walking needs of residents and built environment of the neighborhood. To do that, we first characterize walkability and its greatest contributing socio-demographic variables, like trip purpose, number of vehicles in the household, and the age of individuals. Next, through running Principal Component Analysis, we define a unique index for walkability, which is used to find areas with greatest demand for walkability in their neighborhood through Hotspot Analysis. Finally, using the Pedestrian Environment Index as an indicator of walkability supply for the neighborhood, we identify the most efficient places to develop sidewalks by finding the gaps between demand and supply of walkability in each neighborhood. The results suggest that in the southern and western neighborhoods of Chicago the resident’s walkability desire and need does not match with the built environment characteristics. In addition to providing an informative location-based measure for policymakers, the methodology opens avenues to address some equity concerns related to walkability and prioritizing neighborhoods for improvement based on the needs of the residents.


Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library

While the benefits of walkability are clear, it could be difficult how to determine the best approach to budgeting on sidewalk development decisions in order to maximize the efficiency of the investment. This paper presents a methodology and a tool to evaluate the walkability of different areas in a city by focusing on the gap between walking needs of residents and built environment of the neighborhood. To do that, we first characterize walkability and its greatest contributing socio-demographic variables, like trip purpose, number of vehicles in the household, and the age of individuals. Next, through running Principal Component Analysis, we define a unique index for walkability, which is used to find areas with greatest demand for walkability in their neighborhood through Hotspot Analysis. Finally, using the Pedestrian Environment Index as an indicator of walkability supply for the neighborhood, we identify the most efficient places to develop sidewalks by finding the gaps between demand and supply of walkability in each neighborhood. The results suggest that in the southern and western neighborhoods of Chicago the resident’s walkability desire and need does not match with the built environment characteristics. In addition to providing an informative location-based measure for policymakers, the methodology opens avenues to address some equity concerns related to walkability and prioritizing neighborhoods for improvement based on the needs of the residents.


**[Access the Conference Proceedings Paper on ASCE Library](https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483879.007)**

Track 3: Improving Walkability by Focusing on Residents’ Needs and Neighborhood’s Built Environment

To lean into ASCE’s sustainability efforts to mitigate environmental effects and use resources wisely, ASCE’s International Conferences on Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) 2021 will be held as a virtual event. The dates of ICSI 2021 will be December 6-10th.

Powered by the ICSI Steering Committee based in Houston, the 2021 event will bring together leaders to discuss leveraging sustainable infrastructure for resilient communities.  The program will offer content from across the globe, but have several highlights on sustainability initiatives in Houston, Texas. We hope you will join us virtually for plenary sessions, technical discussions, along with opportunities for Q&A and networking, connecting with virtual exhibitors, and to earn professional development hours.  

[Paper Proceedings](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/9780784483879)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.63208d58cb3e8e001271fcc3