Neighbourhood environment and walking behaviour in high-density cities

Pedestrian environment is the key to walking in the neighbourhood. Complex settings in Hong Kong creates both opportunities and challenges to walkability in urban areas. Urban planning and neighbourhood design are important elements to support walking as a means of active transportation. It therefore requires better understanding of the relationship between walking behaviour and the built environment in order to improve the walkability in Hong Kong. The present study examined the effect of built environment on walking behaviour at both neighbourhood and district levels. Initial findings showed that the number of walk trips is associated with road density, land use mix and the level of PM2.5. At district level, walking behaviour, in terms of walking time and percentage of long walking trips, is associated with road density and land use mix respectively. It suggests that neighbourhood characteristics are influential to walking behaviour and the design of neighbourhood environment can potentially promote active transportation. Further studies will focus on including more factors related to walking environment and behaviour. Studies with finer spatial scales will also be important for the design of the street environment which promotes walking and healthier lifestyle in high-density cities.