good walking

is good business

making massachusetts more walkable

Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd.

P.T. Barnum

15 minutes with WalkBoston

who we are / what we do
why walkability makes economic sense
low-cost strategies for making vibrant pedestrian
areas with prosperous results

Text

making massachusetts more walkable

A walkable community is:

unique, welcoming and friendly
active, varied, with reasons and places to linger

1. why good walking is

good business

If you want:
more potential customers
happy, healthy employees
higher, stable property values
public sector cost savings
Then make walking:
safe for everyone
easy and convenient
interesting and fun
comfortable and inviting

Retailer, homeowner, city official, or CEO

walkability helps your entire community grow and prosper

Local businesses

....... thrive in densely-built, walkable communities, and

are more likely to stock local products, supporting other
local businesses.

American Independent Business Alliance, 2003

Attracting & retaining employees

Younger workers want to be in walking distance of work,

restaurants, and shopping; theyre looking for more
social interaction.

CNN/Fortune, 2011

Employer advantages
walking keeps workers alert, productive and healthy
working in a walkable neighborhood appeals to employees
cost of employee-friendly amenities is reduced

Employers & employees

Employees can save $16 for every $1 they spend on

health and wellness, and workplace fitness
programs have been shown to reduce employer
health care costs by 20% 50%.

American Heart Association, 2011

Municipal & State budgets

If one in ten Massachusetts adults started a regular

walking program, the state would save $121 million
in heart disease expenditure annually.

MA Department of Public Health, 2008

Public sector savings

compact, mixed-use development has lower infrastructure
costs [roads, sewers, etc]
offers independence to seniors, youth and non-drivers

A growing market

Nearly half of the U.S. population 150 million baby

boomers and their children may be in the market
for walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods with
smaller homes.
Brookings Institution, 2011

Real Estate

Real estate values over the next 25 years will rise fastest
in communities with a compact mix of residential and
commercial districts in a pedestrian-friendly configuration.
Real Estate Research Corp, 2002

A 10-point
increase in Walk
Score increases
commercial
property values
by 5% 8%.
[University of Arizona &
Indiana University, 2010]

Putting a number on property values

Walk Score: the new real estate barometer
proximity to stores, schools, parks, etc., adds value

Homebuyers

Homebuyers will pay a $20,000 to $34,000 premium for

homes in pedestrian-friendly communities.
CEOs for Cities, 2009

Community support

Small-scale pedestrian improvements along streets result

in higher physical activity levels and have high levels of
public support.
Centers for Disease Control, 2011

2. making walkable places

People walk when walking is:

safe for everyone
interesting and fun
comfortable and inviting

safe for everyone

Allow people to get where they need to go

streets & sidewalks balance walking, biking, transit, with cars
paths and crosswalks are where they are needed

Norwood MA: Once overlooked, the needs of pedestrians on

both sides of the street are addressed, without needing to
relocate parking

Make people want to be there

signs and crosswalks alert drivers to potential walkers
walking surfaces are smooth and well-lit

interesting & enjoyable

Draw people in
people want to see and be seen
activity outside and inside draws interest and attention

Make people want to be there

banners and art contribute to civic pride
festive lighting encourages evening activity year-round

Variety
varied activities ensure its a destination at all times
a mix of offices, shops, restaurants and residences makes
it convenient

comfortable & inviting

Public facilities allow people to stay and linger

Year-round maintenance attracts walkers and shoppers

Separate people from moving cars

slow traffic makes it feel safe to walk
provide a buffer between the sidewalk and moving traffic

3. how to start

Create an engaging sidewalk experience

Activate storefronts
windows should allow people to see into the store
transparency of storefronts deters crime

Get and keep visitors attention

encourage social interaction
make it a place they want to return to

Community input
use low-cost chalkboards and stickers
collect ideas for vacant buildings

Interactive technology
free wifi, SCVNGER apps and QR codes encourage people
to pause and engage
audio history projects celebrate community

Start small & build over time

Experiment with pop-up/temporary retail

offer short-term permits, low rent, month-to-month leases
plan weekly and monthly markets

Test infrastructure changes as pilot projects

Times Squares new pedestrian space
only $4,000 was spent on lawn chairs

Use low-cost events to bring people in

Spontaneous Dancing | Boston, MA & Columbus, OH

every age and ability can participate
little to no preparation needed

ArtPrize | Grand Rapids, MI

100,000 paper airplanes 20,000 spectators attracted
total cost was under $1,000 with many volunteers

Human Dogsled Race | Lowell, MA

attracts visitors from around the region
treats winter as an asset

Scavenger Hunt | Quincy, MA

collaboration attracted new business
participants enjoyed fun activities

Take advantage of community resources

build partnerships, coalitions and community spirit
tap into volunteer, social and business organizations

If you want:
more potential customers
happy, healthy employees
higher, stable property values
public sector cost savings

summary
Then make walking:
safe for everyone
easy and convenient
interesting and fun
comfortable and inviting

WalkBoston can help:

provide guidance, speakers, programs, technical assistance
create a walking map for your district
offer inspiration, resources, success stories: walkboston.org

good walking
is good business
617.367.9255 | info@walkboston.org | www.walkboston.org

making massachusetts more walkable