A vibrant, pedestrian and bike-friendly city street with greenery and diverse people walking and cycling.

Walk This Way (and Cycle, Too!): How Your Neighborhood Shapes Your Active Transport Habits

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the hidden connections between your environment and your choice to walk or bike. It is time to turn your city into a fitness paradise."

In an era where health and environmental consciousness are on the rise, active transport (AT)—walking and cycling for travel—is gaining traction as a cornerstone of sustainable and healthy lifestyles. Replacing car trips with AT not only boosts personal well-being but also contributes to cleaner air, reduced traffic, and more vibrant communities. Yet, the prevalence of AT varies dramatically across the globe, highlighting the need to understand and optimize the factors that encourage it.

While the benefits of AT are clear, the question remains: what makes a neighborhood AT-friendly? The answer lies in a complex interplay of environmental attributes that either invite or inhibit walking and cycling. A 2016 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives sought to unravel these connections, examining how perceived neighborhood characteristics influence AT habits in diverse urban settings across 12 countries.

By diving into the perceptions of over 13,000 adults across 17 cities, the study sheds light on the specific environmental factors that promote walking and cycling for transport. From residential density to street connectivity and safety, the findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and individuals alike, paving the way for healthier, more active communities worldwide.

Decoding the Walkability and Cyclability Equation

A vibrant, pedestrian and bike-friendly city street with greenery and diverse people walking and cycling.

The IPEN (International Physical Activity and Environment Network) study explored how perceptions of neighborhood environments related to walking and cycling for transport. Researchers gathered self-reported data from adults living in diverse neighborhoods across 17 cities in 12 countries. Participants shared their perceptions of various environmental attributes, including:

These perceptions were then analyzed alongside self-reported walking and cycling habits to identify key environmental factors associated with AT. The goal was to understand not just if these attributes mattered, but how they influenced people's decisions to walk or bike.

Residential density: How closely packed housing is in the area.
Land use mix-access: The availability of shops, services, and amenities within walking distance.
Street connectivity: How well connected the street network is, offering multiple routes.
Pedestrian infrastructure: The presence and quality of sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian facilities.
Aesthetics: The visual appeal of the neighborhood, including trees, landscaping, and attractive buildings.
Safety: Perceptions of safety from traffic and crime.
Distance to destinations: How easy it is to reach common destinations like shops, parks, and transit stops.

The key finding was that several perceived environmental attributes significantly supported both cycling and walking, although some attributes showed more influence for one mode of transport over another. Also, the study also noted that a one size fits all model may not work and that some differences exist in the relationship between environmental factors and transport habits across different cities and countries.

Turning Insights into Action: Building Healthier Communities

The IPEN study provides a clear roadmap for creating environments that encourage active transport. By prioritizing mixed land use, safe streets, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, communities can empower residents to embrace walking and cycling as integral parts of their daily lives. Understanding these nuances paves the way for targeted interventions and policies that truly make a difference, fostering healthier, more sustainable communities for all.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1289/ehp.1409466, Alternate LINK

Title: Perceived Neighborhood Environmental Attributes Associated With Walking And Cycling For Transport Among Adult Residents Of 17 Cities In 12 Countries: The Ipen Study

Subject: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives

Publisher: Environmental Health Perspectives

Authors: Jacqueline Kerr, Jennifer A. Emond, Hannah Badland, Rodrigo Reis, Olga Sarmiento, Jordan Carlson, James F. Sallis, Ester Cerin, Kelli Cain, Terry Conway, Grant Schofield, Duncan J. Macfarlane, Lars B. Christiansen, Delfien Van Dyck, Rachel Davey, Ines Aguinaga-Ontoso, Deborah Salvo, Takemi Sugiyama, Neville Owen, Josef Mitáš, Loki Natarajan

Published: 2016-03-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is active transport and why is it important?

Active transport (AT) refers to walking and cycling for travel. It's crucial because it promotes personal well-being, contributes to cleaner air, reduces traffic, and creates more vibrant communities. Replacing car trips with AT has significant positive impacts on both individual health and the environment, making it a cornerstone of sustainable and healthy lifestyles.

Which environmental factors influence walking and cycling habits, according to the IPEN study?

The IPEN study identified several key environmental factors that influence AT. These include residential density, land use mix-access, street connectivity, pedestrian infrastructure, aesthetics, safety, and distance to destinations. The study found that the perception of these attributes significantly impacts people's decisions to walk or cycle. For instance, a neighborhood with good pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks, crosswalks, and safety features will encourage walking.

How does residential density affect active transport?

Residential density, or how closely packed housing is in an area, can significantly influence active transport. Higher residential density often leads to shorter distances to destinations, making walking and cycling more practical options. The IPEN study suggests that areas with higher residential density tend to support AT because amenities and services are more accessible on foot or by bike, reducing the need for car travel.

What role does street connectivity play in encouraging walking and cycling?

Street connectivity, which refers to how well connected the street network is, offers multiple routes for pedestrians and cyclists. A well-connected street network with various route options makes it easier and more appealing to walk or bike to destinations, as it reduces the distance and time required for travel. The IPEN study highlights this as a crucial factor, as it directly affects the convenience and efficiency of AT.

Beyond the IPEN study, what are the implications for urban planning and community development based on these findings?

The findings from the IPEN study provide a clear roadmap for urban planning and community development. By prioritizing mixed land use, safe streets, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, cities can create environments that encourage active transport. This includes ensuring the availability of shops, services, and amenities within walking distance (land use mix-access), designing streets with good connectivity and safety features, and investing in pedestrian infrastructure. Such interventions can significantly increase the prevalence of walking and cycling, fostering healthier, more sustainable communities. Moreover, the study's recognition that the effects may vary across different cities and countries calls for tailored approaches in urban planning to account for local conditions.