Why don't we walk? Exploring the environmental determinants of walking behaviour in Auckland

This study investigates walking behaviour in Auckland, New Zealand, focusing on environmental factors associated with pedestrian activity in a car-dependent urban context. Using mobile phone data and spatial analyses, the research examines the roles of road network connectivity, functional amenities, and natural environments in shaping walking patterns. As an initial framework, the study employs accessibility mapping based on the “15-minute city” concept to evaluate whether Auckland's urban structure supports walkability. While the mapping suggests that many areas align with the principles of walkable neighbourhoods, the analysis of actual walking trips reveals a significant misalignment between these urban structures and observed walking patterns. To explore this discrepancy, the study shifts the focus from static environmental conditions to an observed relationship by introducing a multidimensional framework comprising the Contextual Feature Index (CFI), Amenity Feature Index (AFI), and Nature Feature Index (NFI). The analysis identifies a critical misalignment primarily driven by inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, fragmented road network connectivity, and compromised micro-scale quality. Furthermore, the findings reveal that socio-economic context fundamentally shapes how people respond to their walking environments, distinguishing necessity-driven from discretionary walking. This research advances the understanding of walking behaviour in car-dependent cities, offering a scalable, multi-dimensional framework to inform equitable, context-specific urban interventions.