Walkability
Also known as: Walkability Index, Pedestrian Accessibility
A measure of how conducive an area is to walking, considering factors such as the presence, quality, and connectivity of sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, street lighting, and proximity to destinations. Traditional walkability indices like Walk Score focus on distance to amenities and street connectivity but typically exclude accessibility-critical features such as sidewalk surface condition, curb ramps, accessible pedestrian signals, and gradient — making them inadequate for people with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. Inclusive walkability assessments must account for the full range of physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities to accurately represent how navigable an environment truly is for all pedestrians.
Category: built environment · urban accessibility · physical accessibility · wayfinding
Related: Curb cut · Wayfinding · Universal Design