K. Joh, M. Nguyen, and M. Boarnet, “Can Built and Social Environmental Factors Encourage Walking Among Individuals with Negative Walking Attitudes?” Journal of Planning Education and Research, volume 32, issue 2, June 2012, pp. 219-236. [full article]
Abstract: We investigate whether the design of the built environment encourages walking above and beyond individuals’ attitudes toward walking. With data from a regional travel survey, we use regression analyses to examine differences in neighborhood walking trips among residents with positive and negative attitudes toward walking. The results show that built and social environment factors have a differential impact on walking trips depending on a person’s walking attitudes. Therefore, strategies to promote positive walking attitudes should be pursued in tandem with land use policies to encourage neighborhood walking. Read more.
M. Boarnet, A. Forsyth, K. Day, and M. Oakes, “The Street Level Built Environment and Physical Activity and Walking: Results of a Predictive Validity Study for the Irvine Minnesota Inventory,” Environment and Behavior, volume 43, issue 6, November 2011, pp. 735-775.
Abstract: The Irvine Minnesota Inventory (IMI) was designed to measure environmental features that may be associated with physical activity and particularly walking. This study assesses how well the IMI predicts physical activity and walking behavior and develops shortened, validated audit tools. A version of the IMI was used in the Twin Cities Walking Study, a research project measuring how density, street pattern, mixed use, pedestrian infrastructure, and a variety of social and economic factors affect walking. Read more.
M. Boarnet, D. Houston, R. Edwards, M. Princevac, G. Ferguson, H. Pan, and C. Bartolome, “Fine Particulate Concentrations on Sidewalks in Five Southern California Cities,” Atmospheric Environment, volume 45, issue 24, August 2011, Pages 4025-4033. [full article]
Abstract: This research provides an exploratory examination of the factors associated with fine particle concentrations in intersection and sidewalk microenvironments in five study areas in the Los Angeles region. The study areas range from low-density, auto-oriented development patterns to dense urban areas with mid- and high-rise buildings. Average concentrations of FPDT (fine particle concentrations measured with DustTrak Aerosol Monitors) ranged from about 20 to 70 μg m−3 across study areas during stationary and mobile (walking) monitoring in morning, midday, and evening periods. Results suggest that fine particle concentrations are highly variable on urban sidewalks. Read more.
M. Boarnet, M. Greenwald, and T. McMillan, “Walking, Urban Design, and Health: Toward a Cost-Benefit Analysis Framework,” Journal of Planning Education and Research, volume 27, 2008, pp. 341-358. [full article]
Abstract: The authors examine the magnitude of health benefits from urban design characteristics that are associated with increased walking. Using geocoded travel diary data from Portland, Oregon, regression analyses give information on the magnitude and statistical significance of the link between urban design variables and two-day walking distances. From the coefficient point estimates, the authors link to the health literature to give information on how many persons would realize health benefits, in the form of reductions in mortality risk, from walking increases associated with urban design changes. Read more.
