Walkability
Definition
How safe, comfortable, and convenient an area is for walking. Depends on: sidewalks, crosswalks, street design, density, mixed uses, safety, and shade. Walkable neighborhoods improve health, reduce traffic, increase property values.
Louisville Context
Louisville’s sprawl and car-centric design limit walkability: missing sidewalks, wide dangerous roads, disconnected destinations, parking lots dominating. Dave improves walkability: complete sidewalk networks, traffic calming, protected crosswalks every quarter-mile, shade trees, benches, mixed-use zoning (shops within walking distance), and development patterns supporting walking. Benefits: health improvement, transportation cost savings, neighborhood vitality.
Why It Matters
Walkable neighborhoods let residents access jobs, shops, and services without cars—saving $10,000+ annually in car costs. Walkability improves health (daily exercise), safety (eyes on street), and community (neighbor interactions). Property values in walkable neighborhoods outperform car-dependent sprawl.
Dave’s Proposal
Improve walkability: complete sidewalk networks, traffic calming on major streets, crosswalks every quarter-mile, street trees for shade, mixed-use zoning enabling walkable access to daily needs.