Consumer streets: Microscopic evidence of road density and consumption vitality

Increased consumption is a key driving factor for further economic development in China. This study examines the influence of road network density on consumption vitality, using big data and various empirical models. The results show that increasing the road density improves consumption quantity, quality, and diversity. The lower the grade of the road network where density is increased, the higher the consumption vitality. This effect shows a significant center-periphery characteristic. Regarding the mechanism, a higher road connectivity increases consumption vitality through visitor flow, which is more significant on low-grade roads. Moreover, the improvement in consumption vitality is significantly capitalized into local housing prices and rent.