What's Your Community Walking Score?

Okay, gasoline prices are bobbling around the $4 mark again.  But when looking at the price chart for the last few years, it's apparent that the price of gasoline just continues to rise.  It won't be a surprise if it reaches $5 before 2012 dawns.

In 2008, when the price reached $4, I started riding a bicycle again.  Since then the bike has become integral to my life.  With global supply of oil diminishing in relationship to demand, it appears that my feet and the bike will ultimately become a primary means of transportation.  Hence this morning, my attention was drawn to the Walk Site, a site that talleys up a walking score for cities around the country.

What makes a neighborhood walkable?

• A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it's a main street or a public space.
• People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
• Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
• Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.
• Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to the back.
• Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
• Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.

Walk Score	Description
90–100	Walker's Paradise — Daily errands do not require a car.
70–89	Very Walkable — Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
50–69	Somewhat Walkable — Some amenities within walking distance.
25–49	Car-Dependent — A few amenities within walking distance.
0–24	Car-Dependent — Almost all errands require a car.

Some communities around Metro Detroit scored very well.  Berkley, for example, got a 74; Ferndale, a 64; and Royal Oak, 59. 

Today these high walking scores certainly add to the livability of a community.  As time goes by, they will undoubtedly add to property values.  Within the foreseeable future, I imagine more and more of us will be out there hoofing whether we want to or not.  Living in a city with a high walking score will make each hike that much more tolerable.