RV 2014: Activating Communities with Active Transportation by Wendy Landman

good walking is good business

making massachusetts more walkable

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

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

making massachusetts more walkable

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

1. why good walking is good business

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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Putting a number on property values • Walk Score: the new real estate barometer • proximity to stores, schools, parks, etc., adds value

A 10-point increase in Walk Score increases commercial property values by 5% – 8%. [University of Arizona & Indiana University, 2010]

Homebuyers

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

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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

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2. making walkable places

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

safe for everyone

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

Norwood MA: Once overlooked, the needs of pedestrians on both sides of the street are addressed, without needing torelocate parking

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

interesting & enjoyable

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

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

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

comfortable & inviting

Public facilities allow people to stay and linger

Year-round maintenance attracts walkers and shoppers

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

3. how to start

Create an engaging sidewalk experience

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

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

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

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

Start small & build over time

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

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

Use low-cost events to bring people in

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

good walking is good business

making massachusetts more walkable

617.367.9255 | info@walkboston.org | www.walkboston.org