Walkability: what is it?

In order to understand walkability, it is important to consider how pedestrians are defined and the discourses that shape the development of pedestrian space. This paper examines both these issues and identifies points of agreement and disagreement between metrics for walkability. Convergence points include the notion of sidewalk access, street connectivity, and land‐use density and diversity. On the other hand, contradictions are identified between prominent pedestrian level of service (LOS) measures which emphasize personal space and those which advocate safety – and comfort – in numbers. Recommendations are made to encourage more multidisciplinary and research‐based development of metrics for walkability.