Details:

Creators:
Sehatzadeh, Bahareh ; Noland, Robert B. ; Weiner, Marc D.
Sehatzadeh, Bahareh ; Noland, Robert B. ; Weiner, Marc D. Less -
Corporate Creators:
Rutgers University. Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation
Corporate Contributors:
New York Metropolitan Transportation Council
Subject/TRT Terms:
[+]
Automobiles--Use Studies Construction By Environment Decision Making Dog Walking Pedestrians Pedestrians--Decision Making Walking
Resource Type:
Tech Report
Geographical Coverage:
New Jersey
Corporate Publisher:
University Transportation Research Center
Abstract:
This report explains ways to reduce car usage in order to meet climate targets and how to analyze these effects. Much of

the analysis has focused on differences between more compact areas that are more walkable versus more extensive car-dependent

areas. Given our interest in physical activity (to combat obesity) we are interested in overall walking similar to studies such as

(Berrigan, Troiano 2002) which also evaluated all walking trips jointly. Several studies have previously assessed the relationship

between dog ownership and walking in the broader context of the effects of pet ownership on human health. In spite of the

variations in methods and results these studies draw the same conclusion that dog owners are more physically active (primarily

through walking their dog) than non-owners ((Bauman et al. 2001, Cutt et al. 2007, Cutt et al. 2008a, Brown, Rhodes 2006, Ham,

Epping 2006, Oka, Shibata 2009, Owen et al. 2007, Serpell 1991, Sirard et al. 2011). It has generally been acknowledged that

residential self-selection explains a part of the observed walking behavior in more walkable neighborhoods; that is, individuals who

prefer to walk (or do not like to drive) will choose to live in more walkable neighborhoods.

Our results show that the level of household car ownership is important in the choice of whether individuals walk and that

car ownership itself is partly determined by many of the walkability features that typically have an association with walking. The

findings show that the most significant built environment variables are the ones related to network connectivity and these affect

walking behavior both directly and indirectly through the influence on vehicle ownership. Most of the socio-economic factors are

only associated with vehicle ownership (with the exception of age). These findings highlight the importance of policy that affects

vehicle ownership decisions; more connected walkable networks seem to be a negative factor, but other variables that increase the

cost and difficulty of vehicle ownership (such as how parking is provided) can be as promising as promoting pedestrian friendly

environments.


Format:
PDF
Funding:
49111-20-20
Collection(s):
US Transportation Collection University Transportation Centers
Main Document Checksum:
[+]
urn:sha256:d2f842f21bb02d213e332c68bf990d8e2e00bda352490d25f4c78ba38abd6b4e
Download URL:
https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/23903/dot_23903_DS1.pdf
File Type:

Supporting Files

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