Destinations that matter: associations with walking for transport

Health Place. 2007 Sep;13(3):713-24. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2006.11.002. Epub 2007 Jan 18.

Abstract

Associations between access to destinations and walking for transport were examined. Households (N=2650) were selected from 32 urban communities varying in walkability and socio-economic status. Respondents reported perceived proximity of destinations, transport-related walking, reasons for neighbourhood selection, and socio-demographic characteristics. Geographic Information Systems data defined objective measures of access to destinations. Measures of access to destinations were associated with transport-related walking. Associations depended on socio-demographic factors and type of destinations. Workplace proximity was the most significant contributor to transport-related walking, especially among women. Regular walking to work resulted in the accrual of sufficient physical activity for health benefits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Choice Behavior
  • City Planning
  • Commerce
  • Demography
  • Environmental Health*
  • Female
  • Geography
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recreation
  • Residence Characteristics / classification*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • South Australia
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Time
  • Transportation / methods*
  • Urban Health*
  • Walking / psychology
  • Walking / statistics & numerical data*
  • Workplace