Americans' attitudes toward walking and creating better walking communities.

This paper presents findings of a telephone survey on attitudes about walking in the United States. In general, most Americans prefer to walk more than they have been, but the communities in which they live are dangerous for pedestrians. These communities are not designed for pedestrian traffic. Instead, they encourage speeding and dangerous intersections. Many respondents to the survey said it is not convenient for them to walk to restaurants and shops; and indeed, half of those surveyed said their communities did not have restaurants and shops within walking distance. The survey uncovered public support for communities that have better walking design, and also for specific policies that would encourage walking. These policies include street design for lower traffic speed; using more money from the federal government to make walking safer from traffic; and creating routes for school children that are more friendly to pedestrians.