Worksite Walkability
- Introduction
- Audit Tool
- Sample Audit
- Glossary
- Selected References
Glossary
Below are some of the most commonly used terms, and their definitions,
used in discussing worksite walkability.
Accessibility
Walking routes should be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities
Act, and should take into account the needs of the disabled, such as curb
cuts for easier wheelchair access to sidewalks.
Aesthetics
Walking routes that are visually attractive may be more appealing to
walkers. Hardscaping, such as walls and walkways, and landscaping, such as
trees and flowers, should be well maintained. Trees can help provide shade
and improve the appearance of the property.
Connectivity
Connectivity: the extent to which the sidewalks and paths in an area
connect to each other and to desirable destinations such as office
buildings, stores, parks, trails, etc. at convenient distances and without
encountering major hazards (such as a busy street with no crosswalk);
typically streets with short block lengths connected in a grid pattern
have higher connectivity than areas with cul-de-sacs and long block
lengths.
Recreational Potential
Walking routes at work can be used for more than just moving in between
buildings. Walking for recreation or exercise is possible at many work
sites, and even small improvements may encourage employees to view the
walking routes as a way to increase their physical activity level.
Safety
In thinking about walkability at work, safety is of utmost concern.
Generally, this involves assessing the facilities that separate cars and
pedestrians, such as sidewalks, cross-walks, and signs and signals, and
that walking surfaces are of high-quality and well maintained, to minimize
the risk of injury to walkers.
Segments
It is often easier to identify and describe discrete portions of the area
under study, rather than discuss the walkability of the whole campus, or
city block. Identifying segments, or the most likely or useful pedestrian
route between each location, can help gain a better understanding of which
locations are sufficient and which need improvement.
Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.
* Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
Page last updated: May 22, 2007
Content Source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
