Comparing walkability of ethnically diverse, low-income neighborhoods of Sacramento, California

INTRODUCTION: The walkability of urban and suburban neighborhoods can play a significant role in residents' physical activity levels. This study examines the walking conditions found in three ethno-racially diverse, lower-income suburbs of Sacramento, California, with the purpose of identifying, evaluating and comparing the metrics that influence walkability in each. METHODS: Focus groups were carried out with 3-9 residents from each of the three neighborhoods to determine perceived barriers and supports of walking in each area. Objective data on such barriers and supports was collected using walk audit checklists, completed for 12 different street segments in each neighborhood (many corresponding with residents' addresses). RESULTS: A number of built- and social environment variables were cited by residents in the focus groups as influencing their levels of neighborhood walking, including accessibility of neighborhood services and of public transit; presence, quality, and functionality of pedestrian infrastructure (sidewalks, lighting, street drains); presence of shade trees; and speed of traffic. The single most daunting pedestrian barrier was lack of safety from crime. Physical disorder and incivilities, such as litter, graffiti, and loose dogs were also considered deterrents. Social incivilities mentioned by residents as important included rowdiness, harassment and drug dealing. Positive impressions were also noted, mainly by residents of one neighborhood, with respect to social environment, convenience and proximity to destinations. The walk audits corroborated many of these perceptions, including sidewalk quality; streetlight adequacy; physical disorder; presence of shade trees; traffic speed; and some social incivilities. Danger from crime was more difficult to assess by objective walk audit, partly due to daytime sampling. CONCLUSIONS: The health benefits of walking and the U.S. obesity epidemic are both compelling reasons to study walkability cofactors. An important distinction must be made between the influences on walkability of "Transportation Engineering and Public Works" (TEPW, hardscape variables) and "Community Evolved Sense of Place" (CESOP, the ways inhabitants perceive and adapt to their neighborhoods) to define the planner's domain of control over walkability. From the experience and results of this study and from its review of prior research, recommendations for new and better methodologies for making that distinction are derived.