| Scenario | Grocery (m) | Transit (m) | Sidewalk (%) | Intersections (/km²) | Speed (km/h) | Score | Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dense mixed-use | 250 | 200 | 95 | 140 | 30 | 92.5 | Walker’s Paradise |
| Balanced suburban | 650 | 550 | 70 | 85 | 40 | 63.0 | Somewhat Walkable |
| Auto-oriented edge | 1800 | 1400 | 35 | 40 | 60 | 22.0 | Very Car-Dependent |
- Amenities score is the average of six distance-based subscores.
- Transit score averages stop distance and service frequency subscores.
- Connectivity score averages intersection density and block length subscores.
- Infrastructure score averages sidewalk, bike lane, crossings, and accessibility subscores.
- Comfort score averages lighting, shade, and slope subscores.
- Safety score averages traffic speed and personal security subscores.
- Measure walking distances to key amenities using maps or site surveys.
- Estimate sidewalk and bike lane coverage along main access routes.
- Rate crossings, accessibility, lighting, shade, and security from 1 to 5.
- Enter connectivity and traffic values from local street data.
- Adjust weights if your project priorities differ, then calculate.
- Export CSV or PDF for reporting, comparisons, and approvals.
Why walkability matters for construction outcomes
Walkability influences tenant demand, parking loads, and frontage activation. A higher score typically supports lower vehicle trips, approvals, and stronger retail performance. In early feasibility, the calculator turns scattered observations into one comparable number, helping teams rank parcels early. For mixed-use programs, improving walkability can unlock rentable area by reducing land consumed by parking and turning circulation space into productive frontage.
Inputs that drive the score most
Amenities and transit distance are high-leverage because they affect daily trip convenience. For example, moving grocery access from 1,200 m to 600 m shifts the stepped distance subscore from 50 to 75. Improving transit frequency from 2 to 8 services per hour raises the frequency subscore toward the 12-per-hour benchmark. Sidewalk coverage also matters: moving from 50% to 85% can lift the infrastructure average even if distances stay constant.
Design moves based on the breakdown
Use the category panel to target interventions. If connectivity is low, shorten blocks with mid-block links, add additional intersections, or open gated edges. If infrastructure lags, prioritize continuous sidewalks, curb ramps, and safer crossings. Lowering typical traffic speeds from 50 km/h to 30 km/h materially improves the safety component. Treat slope as a routing issue: alternate alignments or switchbacks can reduce effective grade for accessible paths.
Benchmarking multiple sites consistently
Keep measurement rules stable. Use the same walking network, radius, and amenity definitions across all candidates, then apply the same category weights to avoid bias. If a project is transit-oriented, increase transit weight but keep the revised weighting set fixed for the entire comparison set.
Reporting for stakeholders and procurement
Export CSV for tender packages and option matrices, and export PDF for meeting notes and quick reviews. Pair the overall score with the band label to communicate risk, then cite the category values to justify design budgets. Include key inputs beside scores to explain variances and defend budgets during formal reviews. Over time, the stored outputs support post-occupancy comparisons and lessons learned.
1) Is this score the same as official city ratings?
No. It is a planning index that standardizes your site inputs into a repeatable 0–100 score. Use it for screening, then validate with local standards, audits, and stakeholder requirements.
2) How should I measure amenity distances?
Measure along walkable routes, not straight lines. Use mapping tools or field checks, and apply the same method to every site. If routes are blocked by barriers, use the actual accessible path length.
3) What does “intersection density” represent?
It approximates route choice and permeability. Higher values usually mean more direct walking options. If your site has superblocks or limited crossings, density will be lower and the connectivity score will drop.
4) When should I change the category weights?
Change weights only to reflect a clear project objective, such as transit-first housing or a safety-led school project. Once changed, keep the same weights for all options to preserve fair comparisons.
5) How do I interpret a mid-range score like 55?
A mid-range score often means amenities exist but comfort, safety, or continuity is inconsistent. Review the breakdown to see whether the limiting factor is transit, crossings, sidewalk coverage, slope, or traffic speed.
6) Can I use this for phased improvements?
Yes. Run a baseline, then test scenarios like added sidewalks, slower traffic, or closer services. Track category changes to show which interventions deliver the biggest score gains per cost and schedule.