Five Factors that Impact Walkability

While Hamilton’s downtown core scores highly on Walkscore, this walker’s paradise is not always a paradise for walkers

By Kaight Rehner

Walking has long been a passion of mine. When I lived in Toronto, I would often choose a direction, a neighbourhood, or a destination, and walk for hours. When my then-boyfriend (now husband) and I decided to move to Hamilton, our top priority was finding a place where we could walk everywhere. We lucked out when we found a home in Hamilton’s Beasley neighbourhood. Our new place was a short walk from the shops and restaurants of James Street North, the practical amenities of Jackson Square, and the quiet tranquillity of Bayfront Park. However, as I got to know the area, I found that while my destinations were numerous, my walking routes were limited. Unlike Toronto, where I would walk a different route every day, I found myself taking the same streets day after day. I started to wonder: What makes a street walkable? Why are some routes more appealing than others?

When choosing a topic for my major research paper (MRP), I knew I wanted to explore these issues. I came across a fantastic research paper, titled “Thinking Relationally about Built Environments and Walkability: A Study of Adult Walking Behavior in Waterloo, Ontario.” This paper examined perceptions of walkability using a technique called go-along interviews. Go-along interviews involve interviewing participants while they move their environment, either by walking, cycling, or driving. This seemed like a great way to explore the ideas I was thinking about while gaining valuable perspectives from people who live in my neighbourhood. I only later realized the paper was co-authored by my future supervisor, the brilliant Dr. Samantha Biglieri!

In the spring of 2022, I conducted 18 go-along interviews with residents of Hamilton’s Beasley and Central neighbourhoods. What I found was that walkability is multifaceted and not universal. What might be walkable for some, may present challenges or barriers for others. Overall, though, five common themes emerged.   

Shopfronts along James Street North.

1.     Distance to Destinations

Many people are familiar with the website Walkscore.ca. This site uses distances to common amenities to determine a walk score out of 100. According to this metric, Beasley and Central are a walker’s paradise! Admittedly, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to destinations. Participants in my study identified more than 65 destinations that they walk to in these neighbourhoods, including shops along James Street North, restaurants on King William Street, the Hamilton Farmer’s Market, and the Central Library. However, distance is only one factor in walkability. Looking at other factors, paradise might not be the first word that comes to mind.  

Narrow sidewalks near Dr. JE Davey School led to feelings of anxiety.

2.     Infrastructure

Sidewalk widths, cracks in the pavement, and crosswalks play a crucial role in making walkers feel safe and comfortable. Many participants, especially older residents and those experiencing mobility issues, expressed concerns that the poor condition of some downtown sidewalks could lead to serious injuries.

The most common concerns I heard during my interviews were about interactions with traffic. Participants identified several intersections where they felt unsafe. In some instances, a lack of stoplight or signal crossing forced residents to dart across multiple lanes of traffic. In other places, poor visibility and traffic speed put pedestrians at risk. Sidewalk width was also a concern. Walking on a narrow sidewalk while cars, SUVs, and transport trucks whizz by creates a sense of anxiety and unease, leading residents to seek alternative routes or avoid walking altogether. This was a particular concern in Beasley and Central, as so many arterial roads pass east-west through these neighbourhoods, leaving residents with few quiet alternatives. When I asked one participant how he felt walking along Main Street, he responded, “It’s a f*cking highway in the middle of the city.” So much for a walker’s paradise.

Greenery, shopfronts, and patios contribute to a positive walking environment on King William Street.

3.     Streetscape Quality

The quality of the streetscape, including what it looks and feels like, plays a large role in walkability. Streetscape quality can draw people in or push them away. Imagine walking down a litter-strewn street flanked by parking lots on either side. Now picture walking down a street lined with trees, interesting shopfronts, and colourful murals. Which would you prefer?

For people living in Beasley and Central, this example is not hypothetical. While residents loved walking along animated commercial streets (such as James and King William), and tree-lined residential streets (such as Murray and Park), many participants said they avoided streets that they viewed as rundown, unattractive (John and Cannon), or just plain boring (Barton). Greenery, public art, and attractive architecture enhanced the walking experience, while litter, abandoned buildings, and large parking lots made the walk less appealing.

Many people favour walking routes where they are likely to encounter friends and neighbours.

4.     Personal Connection and Social Interaction

One of the most surprising outcomes of my research was how much people talked about the importance of social interaction while walking. Many participants spoke positively about the friendliness of their neighbours, often tailoring their walks in ways that would increase the possibility of chance encounters. People pointed out the homes of people they know, and talked about choosing walking routes that would maximize positive chance encounters. Participants also spoke fondly about small businesses in the neighbourhood where they had developed relationships with the shop owners.

Poor sidewalk conditions create unsafe conditions for older people and those with mobility issues (James St N).

5.     Age, Ability, and Life Circumstances

In the past, most walkability studies have either looked at walkability from the perspective of able-bodied adults or have specialized in the unique challenges faced by certain groups, such as older adults, children, or people with disabilities. While conducting my research, I wanted to interview people of different ages, abilities, and backgrounds to see how these factors influence walking behaviour.

I found that older adults, those using mobility devices, and parents with young children often face barriers that others may not even realize exist. For example, one participant who uses a mobility scooter explained that he tends to avoid sidewalks altogether because he worries that steep curb cuts and cracks in the pavement could cause his scooter to tip over. For this individual, riding his scooter in traffic felt safer than riding on the sidewalk!

Planning for Walkable Neighbourhoods

Walkable neighbourhoods are an essential tool for creating healthy, sustainable cities. While concepts such as Walkscore and the 15-minute city have received much attention in recent years, proximity to destinations is only part of the equation. Whether developing new neighbourhoods or retrofitting old ones, planners must be mindful of the many factors influencing walkability, including infrastructure, streetscape quality, and personal connection. The subjective nature of walkability also highlights the need for inclusivity in planning. Planners and decisionmakers need to include a wide variety of voices at the decision-making table to ensure that cities are walkable for everyone, regardless of their age, ability, background, or life circumstances.

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