Activating Communities with Active Transportation Linking transit, pedestrian and bike infrastructure: Can it really create economic vitality and help build communities? Research is just beginning to answer those questions. Active transportation requires partnerships across government (for example, transportation, housing, community development, health, planning), nonprofit organizations and the private sector. Explore how active transportation is extending existing transportation systems, expanding transportation options and connecting communities. Discuss the prerequisites needed for success. Hear how pedestrian and bike-sharing programs are being used for commuting, last-mile solutions to support community development. Moderator: Leah Treat, Director, City of Portland, Bureau of Transportation, Portland, Oregon Lily Gordon-Koven, Graduate Student, New York University, New York, New York Wendy Landman, Executive Director, WalkBoston, Boston, Massachusetts Nolan Levenson, Reseach Assistant, Rudin Center for Transportation, New York, New York

1. good walking
is good business
making massachusetts more walkable

2. Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd.
– P.T. Barnum “ ”

3. 15 minutes with WalkBoston
• who we are / what we do
• why walkability makes economic sense
• low-cost strategies for making vibrant pedestrian
areas with prosperous results

4. Text
making massachusetts more walkable

5. A walkable community is:
• unique, welcoming and friendly
• active, varied, with reasons and places to linger

6. 1. why good walking is
good business

7. If you want:
• more potential customers
• happy, healthy employees
• higher, stable property values
• public sector cost savings
Then make walking:
• safe for everyone
• easy and convenient
• interesting and fun
• comfortable and inviting

8. Retailer, homeowner, city official, or CEO —
walkability helps your entire community grow and prosper

9. Local businesses
“
....... thrive in densely-built, walkable communities, and
are more likely to stock local products, supporting other
local businesses.
— American Independent Business Alliance, 2003
”

10. Attracting & retaining employees
“
Younger workers want to be in walking distance of work,
restaurants, and shopping; they’re looking for more
social interaction.
— CNN/Fortune, 2011
”

11. Employer advantages
• walking keeps workers alert, productive and healthy
• working in a walkable neighborhood appeals to employees
• cost of employee-friendly amenities is reduced

12. Employers & employees
“
Employees can save $16 for every $1 they spend on
health and wellness, and workplace fitness
programs have been shown to reduce employer
health care costs by 20% — 50%.
— American Heart Association, 2011
”

13. Municipal & State budgets
“
If one in ten Massachusetts adults started a regular
walking program, the state would save $121 million
in heart disease expenditure annually.
— MA Department of Public Health, 2008
”

14. Public sector savings
• compact, mixed-use development has lower infrastructure
costs [roads, sewers, etc]
• offers independence to seniors, youth and non-drivers

15. A growing market
“
Nearly half of the U.S. population – 150 million baby
boomers and their children – may be in the market
for walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods with
smaller homes.
— Brookings Institution, 2011
”

16. Real Estate
“
Real estate values over the next 25 years will rise fastest
in communities with a compact mix of residential and
commercial districts in a pedestrian-friendly configuration.
— Real Estate Research Corp, 2002
”

17. A 10-point
increase in Walk
Score increases
commercial
property values
by 5% – 8%.
[University of Arizona &
Indiana University, 2010]
Putting a number on property values
• Walk Score: the new real estate barometer
• proximity to stores, schools, parks, etc., adds value

18. Homebuyers
“
Homebuyers will pay a $20,000 to $34,000 premium for
homes in pedestrian-friendly communities.
— CEOs for Cities, 2009
”

19. Community support
“
Small-scale pedestrian improvements along streets result
in higher physical activity levels and have high levels of
public support.
— Centers for Disease Control, 2011
”

20. 2. making walkable places

21. People walk when walking is:
• safe for everyone
• interesting and fun
• comfortable and inviting

22. safe for everyone

23. Allow people to get where they need to go
• streets & sidewalks balance walking, biking, transit, with cars
• paths and crosswalks are where they are needed

24. Norwood MA: Once overlooked, the needs of pedestrians on
both sides of the street are addressed, without needing to
relocate parking

25. Make people want to be there
• signs and crosswalks alert drivers to potential walkers
• walking surfaces are smooth and well-lit

26. interesting & enjoyable

27. Draw people in
• people want to see and be seen
• activity outside and inside draws interest and attention

28. Make people want to be there
• banners and art contribute to civic pride
• festive lighting encourages evening activity year-round

29. Variety
• varied activities ensure it’s a destination at all times
• a mix of offices, shops, restaurants and residences makes
it convenient

30. comfortable & inviting

31. Public facilities allow people to stay and linger

32. Year-round maintenance attracts walkers and shoppers

33. Separate people from moving cars
• slow traffic makes it feel safe to walk
• provide a buffer between the sidewalk and moving traffic

34. 3. how to start

35. Create an engaging sidewalk experience

36. Activate storefronts
• windows should allow people to see into the store
• transparency of storefronts deters crime

37. Get and keep visitors’ attention
• encourage social interaction
• make it a place they want to return to

38. Community input
• use low-cost chalkboards and stickers
• collect ideas for vacant buildings

39. Interactive technology
• free wifi, SCVNGER apps and QR codes encourage people
to pause and engage
• audio history projects celebrate community

40. Start small & build over time

41. Experiment with pop-up/temporary retail
• offer short-term permits, low rent, month-to-month leases
• plan weekly and monthly markets

42. Test infrastructure changes as pilot projects
• Times Square’s new pedestrian space
• only $4,000 was spent on lawn chairs

43. Use low-cost events to bring people in

44. Spontaneous Dancing | Boston, MA & Columbus, OH
• every age and ability can participate
• little to no preparation needed

45. ArtPrize | Grand Rapids, MI
• 100,000 paper airplanes — 20,000 spectators attracted
• total cost was under $1,000 with many volunteers

46. Human Dogsled Race | Lowell, MA
• attracts visitors from around the region
• treats winter as an asset

47. Scavenger Hunt | Quincy, MA
• collaboration attracted new business
• participants enjoyed fun activities

48. Take advantage of community resources
• build partnerships, coalitions and community spirit
• tap into volunteer, social and business organizations

49. If you want:
• more potential customers
• happy, healthy employees
• higher, stable property values
• public sector cost savings
Then make walking:
• safe for everyone
• easy and convenient
• interesting and fun
• comfortable and inviting
summary

50. WalkBoston can help:
• provide guidance, speakers, programs, technical assistance
• create a walking map for your district
• offer inspiration, resources, success stories: walkboston.org

51. good walking
is good business
617.367.9255 | info@walkboston.org | www.walkboston.org
making massachusetts more walkable