As the The Smart Growth Network points out, a new report by the University of New Hampshire found that “people who live in walkable communities are more civically involved and have greater levels of trust than those who live in less-walkable neighborhoods. This increase in so-called ‘social capital’ is associated with higher quality of life…” The entire report is available for download through the Springer’s Journal website.
Insights from this study relate to Donald Appleyard‘s findings in his seminal book “Livable Streets.” Recently, Streetsblog explored three studies in Appleyard’s book that measured, for the first time, the effect of traffic on our social interactions and how we perceive our homes and neighborhoods.
A pedestrian-friendly district in Curitiba, Brazil
We can reinvent our towns and cities to be more livable places. None of this is ‘rocket science”-we have a context of countless traditions and innovations that can create a foundation for a better future. PPS’ Building Community through Transportation program is helping bring about a transformation that sets transportation solutions within the context of achieving community outcomes and sustainable development. PPS helps agencies and communities come together around solutions that communities want, including more livable and walkable communities.
What do you think of the report’s findings?
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