Measure Definition:
The Walkability Index dataset characterizes every Census 2010 block group in the U.S. based on its relative walkability. Walkability depends upon characteristics of the built environment that influence the likelihood of walking being used as a mode of travel. The Walkability Index is based on the EPA's previous data product, the Smart Location Database (SLD). Block group data from the SLD was the only input into the Walkability Index, and consisted of four variables from the SLD weighted in a formula to create the new Walkability Index. This dataset shares the SLD's block group boundary definitions from Census 2010. The methodology describing the process of creating the Walkability Index can be found in the documents located at ftp://newftp.epa.gov/EPADataCommons/OP/WalkabilityIndex.zip. You can also learn more about the Smart Location Database at https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/OP/SLD/SmartLocationDB.zip.
Construct:
Built Environment
Construct Definition (and Source):
The man-made physical elements of the environment (e.g., homes, buildings, streets, open spaces, and infrastructure). (MeSH)
Selected References
| Citation | PubMed ID |
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Watson KB, Whitfield GP, Thomas JV, Berrigan D, Fulton JE, Carlson SA. Associations between the National Walkability Index and walking among US Adults - National Health Interview Survey, 2015. Prev Med. 2020 Aug;137:106122. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106122. Epub 2020 May 7. PMID: 32389677; PMCID: PMC8544176. |