Proximity and Perceived Safety as Determinants of Urban Trail Use: Findings from a Three-City Study

Wolch, Jennifer; Tatalovich, Zaria; Spruijt‐Metz, Donna; Byrne, Jason; Jerrett, Michael; Chou, Chih-Ping; Weaver, Susan; Wang, Lili; Fulton, William; Reynolds, Kim D.

doi:10.1068/a41302

Cited by 24 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…The null results in the U.S. studies are perplexing, because they conflict with reviews 6,18 or research that demonstrate that self-reported or measured proximity to paths are frequently associated with use, 7,19–21 with few exceptions. 22 One unexamined possibility is that more Far residents than anticipated are attracted to and actively use the intervention area, accounting for reported increases in uses across both Near and Far groups.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

A Complete Street Intervention for Walking to Transit, Nontransit Walking, and Bicycling: A Quasi-Experimental Demonstration of Increased Use

Brown¹,

Smith²,

Tharp

et al. 2016

Journal of Physical Activity and Health

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Background Complete streets require evaluation to determine if they encourage active transportation. Methods Data were collected before and after a street intervention provided new light rail, bike lanes, and better sidewalks in Salt Lake City, Utah. Residents living near (<800 m) and far (≥801–2000 m) from the street were compared, with sensitivity tests for alternative definitions of near (<600 and <1000 m). Dependent variables were accelerometer/global positioning system (GPS) measures of transit trips, non-transit walking trips, and biking trips that included the complete street corridor. Results Active travel trips for Near-Time 2 residents, the group hypothesized to be the most active, were compared to the other three groups (Near-Time 1, Far-Time 1, and Far-Time 2), net of control variables. Near-Time 2 residents were more likely to engage in complete street transit walking trips (35%, adjusted) and non-transit walking trips (50%) than the other three groups (24–25% and 13–36%, respectively). Bicycling was less prevalent, with only one of three contrasts significant (10% of Near-Time 2 residents had complete street bicycle trips compared to 5% of Far-Time 1 residents). Conclusions Living near the complete street intervention supported more pedestrian use and possibly bicycling, suggesting complete streets are also public health interventions.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

A Complete Street Intervention for Walking to Transit, Nontransit Walking, and Bicycling: A Quasi-Experimental Demonstration of Increased Use

Brown¹,

Smith²,

Tharp

et al. 2016

Journal of Physical Activity and Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Greenways present a unique challenge because they are designed to connect neighborhoods and blur localized boundaries, providing opportunities for outsiders (i.e., white newcomers, and developers) to challenge neighborhood ownership (Coutts and Miles 2011;Rigolon and Németh 2018). As research on park use and proximity has shown, individuals are more likely to use and claim ownership over park spaces located in close proximity to their residence (Coutts and Miles 2011;Gobster 1995;Wolch et al 2010). Because neighborhood revitalization and shifts in neighborhood composition frequently follow urban greenway construction (Gould and Lewis 2016;Harnik 2012;Wolchet al 2014), Latinx residents may try to assume control over proximate segments and resist/protest gentrification.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Contested Spaces: Intimate Segregation and Environmental Gentrification on Chicago's 606 Trail

et al. 2020

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The 606, a greenway in Chicago, has been lauded as a transformative revitalization project that provides diverse benefits and connects communities. However, the greenway has become a source of conflict among Latinx residents who question the trail's value and influence on their communities. Using observations and interviews with users and residents, this study examined potential consequences of The 606, including intimate segregation, which occurs when individuals use social and physical barriers to stratify themselves in a shared environment, and impacts of environmental gentrification. Results revealed division along The 606 with Latinx users isolating themselves in western trail segments, citing feelings of exclusion, discrimination, and resistance to gentrification. Conversely, white users were found to avoid western trail segments due to fear and pervasive stereotypes. The study highlights the urban park paradox, where green space provides benefits to communities while simultaneously generating unintentional consequences that potentially reinforce segregation and social inequities.

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“…Research on public green spaces has also devoted much attention towards walking and cycling accessibility in neighbourhoods and the area characteristics around these structures, such as the quality of surface, cleanliness, trees, benches, parks, and safety [27][28][29]. Appropriate facilities for walking and biking can promote physical activity both for transport and leisure as well as increased contact among neighbours [30,31].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing Inequity: Evaluation of an Intervention to Improve Accessibility and Quality of a Green Space

Anthun

Maass

Hope

et al. 2019

IJERPH

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Green space areas offer several benefits that support our physical, psychological, and social health. However, the level of engagement with green space areas may not be the same across population groups. Using a mixed-method research design, we investigated the use of a green space area and whether and how the area was beneficial for health, social inclusion, and physical activity for all socioeconomic groups in a suburban area in Norway. The study showed significantly increased use of the area from 2015–2018 and that users belonged to different socioeconomic groups. The motivation for using the area was the opportunity to experience nature and to interact socially. While no significant changes in self-rated health, life satisfaction, or levels of physical activity were found, the study indicates that factors such as location, availability, and designated places for social interaction are important motivating factors for use. Users from the lower socioeconomic groups were among the frequent users but were also the least satisfied with the quality and availability of the path. Our findings call for closer consideration of the location and availability of green spaces and that including places for social interaction and relaxation can contribute to increased use of green spaces.

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Proximity and Perceived Safety as Determinants of Urban Trail Use: Findings from a Three-City Study

Cited by 24 publications

References 35 publications

A Complete Street Intervention for Walking to Transit, Nontransit Walking, and Bicycling: A Quasi-Experimental Demonstration of Increased Use

A Complete Street Intervention for Walking to Transit, Nontransit Walking, and Bicycling: A Quasi-Experimental Demonstration of Increased Use

Contested Spaces: Intimate Segregation and Environmental Gentrification on Chicago's 606 Trail

Addressing Inequity: Evaluation of an Intervention to Improve Accessibility and Quality of a Green Space

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