ABSTRACT
Walkability has become an important research area across the fields of geography, public health, urban planning and transportation. Walkable neighborhoods, characterized by density, land-use diversity and well-connected transportation networks, may encourage walking for daily activities among residents. Individual characteristics such as age, gender and attitudes are important determinants of physical activity. Researchers have used a variety of methods to operationalize neighborhoods, including administrative units, buffers, activity spaces and self-defined neighborhoods. Research on walkability requires specific attention to how spatial concepts are measured, or operationalized, and health geography has much to contribute. The chapter presents a roadmap for geographically relevant considerations in research on walkability and physical activity that may be of value to those new to the area. Health geographers can help lead exploration of the role of place in health inequities by being mindful of avoiding environmental determinism.
