Browsing by Subject "Walkability"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10

The choice to walk, a parcel & network based analysis of pedestrian access and income in Austin, TX
(2012-08) Glass, Laura Kristen; McCray, Talia; Zhang, Ming
Walkability is desirable for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, walkability is desirable because it is the only available or affordable transportation modal choice. Urban form and transportation infrastructure can be hostile to pedestrians because cars are prioritized first, and pedestrians often face unsafe situations and a lack of pedestrian facilities. This analysis explores a spatial distribution of pedestrian access to opportunities in Austin, TX, and examines the locations of households of different income levels relative to areas of high pedestrian access to opportunities. To achieve results that are equally precise across the study area, this analysis employs GIS analysis and U.S. Census 2000 data, and analyzes the study area using a ½ square-mile grid system. High pedestrian access areas are defined as locations where residential parcels have pedestrian network access to multiple types of opportunities and above average number of opportunities. This analysis finds that low income households are more associated with high pedestrian access areas in Austin, TX, than moderate and high income households. If lower income households are consistently shown to rely more on pedestrian infrastructure than moderate or high income households, it may be important to allocate funding to high pedestrian access areas with low income populations in such a way that is socially equitable, and that will result in more use of the pedestrian facilities.
Evaluating the impact of streetscape investments in Round Rock, TX on public perceptions and experiences of downtown
(2024-05) Shaffer, Laura ; Sletto, Bjørn; Paterson, Robert
This professional report investigates the impact of streetscape investments on public perceptions and experiences of downtown Round Rock, TX, with a focus on enhancing walkability. Against the backdrop of shifting preferences towards mixed-use walkable neighborhoods, the study examines the motivations behind Round Rock's downtown revitalization efforts and evaluates their effectiveness amidst rapid population growth and extreme heat challenges. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach including pedestrian counts and observations, verbal surveys, and interviews with city officials, the research explores how pedestrians navigate, perceive, and experience downtown interventions. Findings aim to inform future streetscape investments and promote sustainable urban development in the context of Texas downtowns.
A farmers' market in a food desert : evaluating walkability and streetscape as factors of farmers' market effectiveness in food accessibility : the case of Farmers' Market East in Austin, Texas
(2015-05) Pedraza Sanchez, Lauramaria; Jiao, Junfeng; Zhang, Ming
Food deserts are defined by absence of large grocery stores to access affordable food that constitute a healthy diet resulting in high levels of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in the community. Farmers' markets have resulted as an approach to improving food accessibility in food deserts, however the lack of public transportation, incomplete sidewalks, and dilapidated streetscape in many American neighborhoods, can really affect farmers markets' usage. To answer this question, this research uses the Sustainable Food Center (SFC) Farmers Market East Austin as a case study area to investigate how built environment around the market affect its usage.
Footing the bill : evaluating local government funding mechanisms for sidewalk infrastructure in Austin, Texas
(2019-08-30) McGrath, Nicole Erin; Sciara, Gian-Claudia
The City of Austin is missing almost half of its sidewalk network and 80% of existing sidewalks are in poor condition. Expanding the city’s sidewalk network has repeatedly been recognized as an important component of Austin’s larger mobility goals, but how the city will fund this effort is unclear. The city’s Sidewalk Master Plan estimates that building out and repairing the entire network will take almost 200 years at current funding levels. Austin’s sidewalk investments are primarily being funded by bond money, but is depending solely on bond funding for sidewalk infrastructure advisable? Bonds are a form of borrowing not a revenue generating mechanism. Having a revenue generating mechanism dedicated to active transportation investments can help achieve multimodal transportation goals sooner. However, local governments are often constrained in their ability to implement such mechanisms due to state authorization laws. Given that sidewalks are primarily a local responsibility, the inability to generate revenue at the local level for transportation projects can severely hamper walkability goals. This report highlights examples of local governments that are using revenue generating mechanisms to fund pedestrian infrastructure and evaluates the potential implementation of such mechanisms in Austin, TX. Using a qualitative case study design, this study investigates the different approaches used in the following locations: Ithaca, NY; Fort Wayne, IN; Seattle, WA; and San Antonio, TX. Funding mechanisms used in these case study cities include special assessment districts, local income taxes, property tax assessments, and sales taxes. The report finds that each city has had varying degrees of success with their funding mechanism, with three of the four case study cities generating more sidewalk funding per capita than bond funding alone in Austin, TX. Of the different mechanisms evaluated, dedicated property tax assessments and special assessment districts are the best options for addressing Austin’s sidewalk needs. However, state preemption laws in Texas make implementing these mechanisms difficult. Examples of best practices highlighted in this report should be used by local officials to lobby for more autonomy when it comes to funding local transportation needs.
Invisible barriers : underpasses as a highway legacy
(2023-04-21) Samiliv, Tetyana; Karner, Alex; Zhang, Ming, 1963 April 22-
Exploring the interaction between cars and non-motorized road users, this report aims to analyze the physical and perceived safety of I-35 underpasses in Austin, TX. Inspired by the lived experience of using the underpasses and literature on pedestrian safety design, I decided to survey and map the quality and safety of 20 underpasses. Here, pedestrians are often at odds with the danger of high-speed traffic, narrow or non-existent sidewalks, short traffic light cycles, and broken or subpar intersection amenities. To document the quality of underpasses, I conducted a study and an in-person survey of underpasses and an analysis of the level of traffic stress experienced by non-motorized road users. This study suggests that underpasses are a collateral of highways and prevent connectivity between two sides of the city, East and West in the case of Austin, and how that affects people’s access to space. I further explore ways that underpasses can become a better environment for all road users and how that space can be reclaimed. Finally, I identify ways in which the cap and stitch project for the proposed I-35 expansion in Central Austin can be successful and beneficial to the East-West connectivity.
Life on foot : an investigation of pedestrian life in everyday urban space
(2017-05) Mashhood, Farzad Kevin; Sletto, Bjørn
Exploring pedestrian life in the drab, suburban fringe of Austin, Texas this master’s thesis aims to understand where and how people walk in an environment that does not seem to encourage it. Inspired by the literature of “everyday urbanism,” the author studied the intersection of North Lamar Boulevard and Rundberg Lane in Austin, a place known for being high in crime, traffic crashes, and poverty rates. In an effort to document with the precision of traffic engineers how people walk in a city, this study found a rich tapestry of walking routes that go beyond the officially designated sidewalks and crosswalks typically seen as the place for walking. Pedestrians seem to create their own routes, traversing parking lots and landscaping. Furthermore, the walking environment seems to be racialized, to be gendered, and to attract only certain ages. This study suggests planning theorists adopt a broader notion of what makes a place “walkable,” more closely studying the experience of pedestrians in environments such as Rundberg and Lamar. Further, this thesis suggests that practitioners design and plan such spaces after understanding by experience how people actually use and inhabit a space.
Made in the shade : using GIS to model pedestrian shade in Austin, Texas
(2014-12) Norris, Robert Chase; Spelman, William
There are many benefits to living in a walkable city, and just as many barriers to making a city truly pedestrian-friendly. In hot climates such as Austin, Texas, high temperatures are a principal challenge to walkability and also a safety concern when temperatures rise above 100°F. Although city planning came about largely to protect the streetscape from unbridled, sunlight- blocking development, too much sunshine can be just harmful and therefore shade provision merits the attention of urban planners. One useful tool for shade analysis and planning for shade provision is Geographic Information Systems (GIS). However, GIS has typically been limited to tree cover analysis, leaving out the significant contributions of the built environment for shade provision. This report examines recent applications of GIS for walkability analysis and planning efforts to enhance pedestrian comfort in Austin, and then presents an analysis of shade provision in East Sixth Street, Austin, Texas, focusing on 3D modeling of the built environment. It is the hope that this study will inform future shade research and analysis for improved walkability, particularly in cities located in hot climates.
Placemaking and walkability in Austin's Capitol Complex
(2013-05) Clifton, Matthew Brett; Sletto, Bjørn; Spelman, William
Typical of many American downtowns, Austin, Texas, has experienced renewed interest in redevelopment over the past two decades. Following City policies, this redevelopment has tended to be mixed-use in nature and has included elements of placemaking and walkability. A glaring exception to recent trends is the Capitol Complex, an area north of the State Capitol building that is home to various state government office buildings. The Capitol Complex displaced a more traditional mixed-use neighborhood in the 1950s and has been plagued by disjointed planning activities ever since. Recent budgetary challenges and a shortage of office space have prompted the state government to reexamine the Capitol Complex as a target for redevelopment. This professional report scrutinizes the Capitol Complex as a “non-place” that is challenged by walkability issues in an effort to make recommendations to ensure successful redevelopment that is more consistent with that found in the rest of downtown Austin. First, the literature on placemaking and walkability demonstrate what the Capitol Complex lacks. A case study provides a good comparison to see what policies have helped to improve districts near state office buildings. Second, the history of the Capitol Complex provides context for how the area became what it is today. Third, a land use and walkability analysis utilizing GIS along two corridors in the Complex and a pedestrian count show that the area is unfriendly to pedestrians and lacks activity on nights and weekends. Finally, the report offers both policy and urban design recommendations to help ensure that redevelopment activities contribute to make the Capitol Complex a walkable “place.”
Unraveling the pedestrian environments of high-speed rail station areas : a comparative case study from Japan and lessons for America's urban walkability
(2023-08) Pope, Noah Allen; Zhang, Ming, 1963 April 22-
This professional report presents a comparative case study analysis of walkable environments in high-speed rail station areas, focusing on the lessons that Japan can offer for urban development in America. Walkability has emerged as a crucial aspect of sustainable urban planning, promoting active transportation, reducing congestion, and fostering vibrant communities. By examining high-speed rail station areas in Japan, renowned for their efficient and pedestrian-friendly designs, this research aims to unravel the key factors that contribute to their success. The study utilizes primarily site observations as a means to break apart the various elements contributing to walkability within the station area, such as connectivity, accessibility, design, and amenities. The findings highlight the significance of comprehensive planning, integrated transportation networks, pedestrian-oriented infrastructure, and the incorporation of public spaces in creating walkable environments. Drawing lessons from the Japanese model, this research provides valuable insights and recommendations for enhancing walkability in American urban development, ultimately striving towards more sustainable and livable cities.
Walkability assessment in a transit-oriented development setting : a pilot study using a Geographic Information System
(2011-12) Chung, Myung Kyung; Lee, Ming-Chun; Zhang, Ming
Many studies and land use planning attempts have done to influence people’s travel choices these days. Rather than sprawl development with automobile-dependent, single-use zoning, and cul-de-sacs, scholars and city planners now prefer and recommend more walkable, mixed-use development, and compact development. Along with neo-traditional development and pedestrian pockets, one trend of recent urban planning, Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), has attracted people’s attention. Given the new development of transportation methods, the present study explores how new transit stations will change people’s mobility and activity patterns. The main contribution of this project is to create an index of walkability attributions in a TOD setting based on previous research and to suggest assessment measures of walkability using a Geographic Information System (GIS).