Abstract

Many studies have stated that residential areas developed by the New Urbanism concept increased walking and cycling trips, which in turn reduced vehicle trips. We conducted a study to examine walking-related behavioral characteristics and differences between residents in two types of communities: a mixed-use neotraditional community following design and planning principles of the New Urbanism and a recent conventional suburban community that considered walking in its design but did not exactly follow those principles. Both communities selected for our study were constructed in the early 2000s and targeted middle-income families. The two sites located in two adjacent census tracts had strong similarities in terms of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of residents. They also showed similar geographic characteristics (i.e., surrounded by preserved natural areas and open spaces) and were located within similar distance from the central business district (CBD). We conducted site observations and a survey administered to residents in both areas. We selected subjects randomly from lists of every house in the communities, and mailed out surveys to a total of 500 households, of which 106 responded. Results showed statistical differences in residents’ walking behaviors and characteristics (i.e., reason for walking, walking distances) between the two communities. We found no statistical difference in nonrecreational walking (i.e., commuting, going shopping, and going to school) between residents of the two communities, however. Further analyses assessed whether design and planning principles applied in the new urbanist community affected residents’ walking behaviors.