Researchers have definitively linked living in walkable urban environments to significant increases in daily physical activity. A recent analysis of smartphone data from over two million individuals who relocated between 2013 and 2016 reveals that moving to a more walkable city results in an average of 1,100 additional steps per day – roughly equivalent to 11 minutes of extra walking. This isn’t just about moving more; the increased activity tends to be brisk walking, a form of exercise demonstrably linked to improved health outcomes and reduced mortality risk.
The Walkability Effect: Environment vs. Personal Choice
The study, led by Tim Althoff at the University of Washington, isolates the impact of the built environment. Crucially, people who moved between cities with similar walkability scores showed no change in their daily activity levels. This suggests that the environment plays a dominant role in shaping exercise habits, rather than individual preference alone. It’s not just that active people choose walkable cities; walkable cities make people more active.
National Impact: What If All U.S. Cities Were Walkable?
The implications are substantial. If every U.S. city matched the walkability of Chicago (score of 78), the average person would walk an extra 443 steps daily, equating to 24 minutes of additional moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week. This shift would enable 11.2% more Americans – approximately 36 million people – to meet aerobic activity guidelines. Even greater gains could be achieved if all cities matched New York’s high walkability, potentially bringing another 47 million people into alignment with recommended fitness levels.
“These findings underscore the power of urban design in shaping public health. Making cities more walkable is a concrete strategy for boosting physical activity at scale.”
In conclusion, the study provides strong evidence that urban planning directly impacts population-level fitness. Prioritizing walkability isn’t just about convenience; it’s a public health intervention with the potential to dramatically improve the well-being of millions.
