How Active Is Your Neighborhood?

By Mark Fenton, M.S.

A neighborhood that's condusive to exercise is good for everyone. See how yours stacks up. Take a 30-minute or longer walk in your neighborhood, and then answer these questions about the experience. The results may provide ideas for improvements that you can share with local officials.

1. How many different kinds of destinations (homes, shopping and restaurants, businesses, churches, schools, civic buildings, recreational areas) did you see on your walk?
a. Lots: at least four or more different kinds of destinations.
b. Some: two or three types of destinations.
c. Very few: mostly just homes, apartments, residential buildings.

2. Do streets have sidewalks, and are they inviting for walking (wide enough for two people, set back from the road, and in good repair)?
a. Plenty: There are wide, inviting sidewalks on almost every street.
b. Some: Inviting sidewalks on more than half of streets, but on a significant number sidewalks are missing or uninviting.
c. Few: Many streets lack sidewalks or those that exist are in very bad shape.

3. Were blocks generally long or short on your walk?
a. Short: It only takes a minute or so to walk a block (400 feet or less).
b. Medium: It takes two to four minutes to walk a block (400–800 feet).
c. Long: It takes more than four minutes to walk a block (more than 800 feet).

4. How many multiuse trails are available, and how many bike lanes are painted on the busy roads?
a. Plenty: Many trails and bike lanes make it very easy to move in safety.
b. Some: a handful of trails and/or lanes for bicyclists and pedestrians.
c. Very few or no trails and/or bike lanes in the area.

5. Are buildings in business and retail areas set up near the street—with parking on the street and/or behind the building—with easy access for bicyclists and pedestrians?
a. Most buildings are near the sidewalk and inviting to walkers and cyclists.
b. At least half of the buildings are near the sidewalks.
c. Most buildings are set back from the roadway, often with a sea of asphalt parking in front.

6. How was traffic, and did you feel safe as a pedestrian?
a. Traffic was fine. Cars moved at reasonable speeds, and it was easy to cross streets without an inordinate wait.
b. Traffic was OK, but sometimes it seemed too fast or close, and/or crossing streets took too long.
c. Traffic was bad. There was too much, it was too fast, and/or too close; crossing streets was an unpleasant adventure at best.

7. Did you feel safe from crime or other dangers?
a. I felt very safe. There were no (or very few) scary places, people, or animals.
b. Fairly safe, but occasional scary things would give me pause.
c. Not so safe. Frightening areas discourage me from walking.

8. How many streets have on-street parking, trees along the street, and amenities such as benches, water fountains, public art, bicycle racks, etc., that make it pleasant for biking, jogging, and strolling?
a. Most streets are inviting for walking and cycling.
b. At least half of the streets.
c. Few streets have those inviting elements.

Check your score:
Add 3 points for each (a), 2 for each (b), and 1 for each (c).

20–24 Good
Your neighborhood is inviting you to get out and walk or bike; take it up on the invitation.