Tool-Description

The Walkability Audit Tool (WAT-5) is designed to assess the “walkability” of an urban or semi-urban environment. Walkability refers to how easy and comfortable it is for people to walk or use other non-motorized forms of transportation within a given area. The WAT-5 focuses on five key areas to evaluate the quality of sidewalks, pathways, crosswalks, and overall conditions for walking.

Data Analysis and Use

Data Analysis: The analysis of data from the WAT-5 involves evaluating factors related to walkability, such as the condition of sidewalks, the presence of various infrastructure elements, and overall safety and usability of the environment.
Data Collection: Assessors use the WAT-5 to record the condition and quality of the pathways being measured. It typically involves observations and questions related to the availability and quality of infrastructure.
Scoring: Each area of the WAT-5 is scored based on the presence and quality of features affecting walkability. Scores are aggregated to provide an overall assessment of walkability.
Score Analysis: The total score helps identify areas needing improvement and inform strategies to enhance walkability. It can also be used to compare different areas or evaluate the impact of interventions.
Data Use: Data from the WAT-5 is used to develop strategies for improving urban design, enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians, and promoting healthier and more sustainable cities. Urban planners and city officials can use the results to prioritize infrastructure upgrades and improve overall quality of life.

Purpose

The goal of the WAT-5 is to provide a practical and reliable tool for assessing the walkability of urban areas. The tool aims to improve the quality of pedestrian pathways, thereby promoting physical activity, reducing traffic congestion, and increasing urban sustainability.

Scoring

The WAT-5 is validated through reliability and validity assessments:
Internal Consistency: Evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha or other statistical methods to ensure that different elements of the tool are consistent and measure the same dimensions.
Validity: Includes comparisons with existing scales or tools that assess walkability, as well as cross-referencing with actual observations of pedestrian pathways.

References

Saelens, B. E., & Handy, S. L. (2008). Built environment correlates of walking: A review. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 40(7), S550-S566.
Frank, L. D., & Engelke, P. O. (2005). How land use and transportation systems impact public health: A literature review of the relationship between physical activity and built form. The Active Living Research Program.
Ewing, R., & Cervero, R. (2010). Travel and the built environment: A meta-analysis. Journal of the American Planning Association, 76(3), 265-294.