This article is originally published on Daily Science.
A large national study has provided compelling evidence supporting the benefits of “walkable” neighbourhoods, revealing that the built environment can significantly boost walking activity. By analyzing data from approximately 11,000 twins—a design that helps control for genetic and familial factors—researchers found a strong link between neighbourhood characteristics and physical activity. The study showed that a 1% increase in a neighbourhood’s walkability led to a 0.42% rise in walking activity. When scaled, a 55% improvement in neighbourhood walkability translates to roughly 23% more walking, equating to about 19 additional minutes of walking per week for each resident. This has the potential to create a meaningful public health impact, particularly for the largely sedentary U.S. population.
Study Strengthens Case for Walkable Neighbourhoods, Linking Built Environment to Increased Physical Activity
A recent national study has provided robust evidence supporting the health benefits of “walkable” neighbourhoods, showing that the built environment can significantly increase walking activity. Published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the study analyzed data from around 11,000 twins, a unique approach that helps account for genetic and familial influences. Researchers discovered that for every 1% increase in a neighbourhood’s “walkability,” walking activity increased by 0.42%. Scaled up, a 55% improvement in walkability would result in approximately 23% more walking—equivalent to about 19 extra minutes per week for each resident.
For a predominantly sedentary U.S. population, this could have substantial public health benefits, according to lead author Glen Duncan, professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at Washington State University and director of the Washington State Twin Registry. “We have a large portion of the population that doesn’t get enough physical activity. Even a modest increase in walking could yield meaningful health improvements,” Duncan said.
The study assessed neighbourhood walkability using an index that considers population density, road networks, and proximity to destinations like stores, parks, and restaurants. While the twin participants lived across the U.S., walkable neighbourhoods were typically urban, such as Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Duncan highlighted Capitol Hill’s abundance of shops, restaurants, and public transit options like buses and light rail as hallmarks of walkability. In contrast, suburban and rural areas often require driving to access amenities, making them less conducive to walking.
The researchers examined survey data from 5,477 twin pairs collected between 2009 and 2020. The surveys recorded participants’ residential locations and weekly walking habits, whether for recreation, exercise, or transportation. The results showed that individuals in walkable neighbourhoods walked more frequently.
The study also explored the relationship between walkability and transit use. Although few participants regularly used public transit, living in a walkable neighbourhood reduced the likelihood of not using transit at all by 32%. However, walkability did not significantly influence more vigorous forms of exercise, such as running or weightlifting, likely because these activities often extend beyond neighbourhood boundaries.
Duncan emphasized that walking remains an accessible and effective way to improve health, contributing to the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. “Walking is simple and natural. You don’t need expensive gear—just put on a pair of shoes and head outside,” he said.
Co-authors include researchers from the University of Washington, University of Southern California, University of Virginia, Columbia University and WSU.
Journal Reference:
- Glen E Duncan, Philip M Hurvitz, Bethany D Williams, Ally R Avery, Matthew J D Pilgrim, Siny Tsang, Ofer Amram, Stephen J Mooney, Andrew G Rundle. Association between neighborhood walkability and physical activity in a community-based twin sample. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2024.