A Walkable Lakewood: Why it is important for our health, our economy, and our safety.

Joe has diabetes and recently received an “exercise prescription” from his physician to walk 5 times a week for 30 minutes. He loves the fact that he can go right out the front door in of his house in Lakewood and walk. Mary likes to live in Lakewood because she can walk to the bus stop and easily commute to her job in downtown Cleveland. Danny walks to school with his mom and a few other kids from his street on most days. He knows that he feels better and is more able to focus and pay attention in class on the days when he walks. Gayle is a senior who lives in Lakewood and can walk to her medical appointments at Lakewood Hospital, to the grocery store, and to her friend's house a few streets over. She knows that her friends who live in the outer suburbs have to drive to go anywhere. Steve and Jane are a young professional couple who moved to Lakewood from out of town and chose to buy a house here because of the walkable neighborhood.

These names have been changed but the stories are true. One of Lakewood’s greatest assets is the ability to walk everywhere. Americans are increasingly living in communities that are designed and planned for automobiles and not for people when they are out of a car. This has contributed to the obesity epidemic and a loss of social connections in neighborhoods. In addition, walkable communities can make local economies strong and keep crime low.

WALKING CAN GREATLY IMPROVE HEALTH. According to the American Journal of Cardiology, walking 30 minutes at least 6 days a week is enough to reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol. In addition, walking and other moderate physical activity has been shown to improve mood, creativity and overall energy.

A WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOOD CAN INCREASE PROPERTY VALUES. A study by the Urban Land Institute found that homebuyers were willing to pay a $20,000 premium for homes in pedestrian-friendly communities compared to similar houses in surrounding areas. And a recent survey of 60,000 people found that 88 percent of respondents said they wanted to live in a neighborhood that's walkable. Reducing traffic noise and traffic speeds, which make it safer to walk, will also increase property values. One study found that a 5 to 10 mph reduction in traffic speeds increased adjacent residential property values by roughly 20 percent.

A WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOOD IS GOOD FOR RETAIL SALES. There are many models around the country that show clear economic benefits to improving the walking environment in residential and commercial districts. Lodi California launched a $4.5 million public-private pedestrian-oriented project, including a retro-fit of five main street blocks. The city credits the pedestrian improvements, as well as economic development incentives, with 60 new businesses, the drop in the vacancy rate from 18 percent to 6 percent, and a 30 percent increase in downtown sales tax revenues.

A WALKABLE NEIGHBORHOOD DECREASES CRIME. A research project by the Urban Institute recently showed that from 2005 to 2006 crime increased the most in communities with less pedestrian traffic. Crime happens when a criminal perceives a high chance of getting away; if there are more law abiding people on the street there is a sharp decrease in the chance of getting away with a crime. People walking can hear and see things that cannot be seen from cars and respond faster. Crime increases when people do not know their neighbors. A walkable neighborhood encourages and facilitates social interaction by creating opportunities for people to meet and interact, helping to create community networks.

LET’S GET WALKING AND MAKE LAKEWOOD OHIO’S MOST WALKABLE CITY. A walkable neighborhood starts with good sidewalks. Other cities have increased the number of community members walking by installing public art on streets and creating marketing campaigns that promote walking. Cities have widened sidewalks and narrowed streets, which calms traffic and makes walking safer and more pleasant. But the biggest change can happen when we choose to walk to the store, coffee shop or park instead of driving and take full advantage of one of the best features of living in Lakewood. Future articles will individually feature the benefits of walkability on human health, property values, retails sales and safety.