One of the most important determinants of walkability is whether there are real destinations within walking distance. For this reason, suburban land-use patterns emphasize driving, whereas urban, mixed-use neighborhoods are walkable.

Tactics

• Support Street Life: Form-Based Zoning
• Manage Parking to Promote Walking
• Add Street-Connectivity Minimums
• Retrofit Street, Walking and Bicycle Connections
• Create Transit-Oriented Development
• Provide LOS Exemptions for Pedestrian Improvements
• Diversify Suburban Land Use Regulations
• Transform Underutilized Malls
• Encourage Temporary Uses in Vacant Sites and Buildings
• Permit Park(ing) Day Every Day

Case Studies

• New York: Planning for Multiple Modes
• Tyson’s Corner: Malls into Walkable Destinations
• Vancouver: EcoDensity
• San Jose: LOS Exemptions for Walking
• Arlington: Transit-Oriented Development
• Charlotte: Retrofit Street Connectivity
• Cary: Subdivision Ordinances
• Seattle: Parking Management
• Standish: Form-Based Codes