How Walkable is Your Community?

Here is a neat web application, Walk Score by Front Seat, a self-described "civic software company and incubator" based in Seattle, Washington.

Point your browser to www.walkscore.com, enter your address, and the site will figure out how walkable your community is from your address. My address got a 98 out of a 100, not bad. According to the site,

Your Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:

• 90–100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
• 70–89 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
• 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
• 25–49 = Car-Dependent: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
• 0–24 = Car-Dependent (Driving Only): Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!

See How it Works.

Your Walk Score is figured out using an algorithm that measures walkability by the distance amenities are located to a particular address. The closer the amenity, the higher your score--anything beyond a mile receives no points.

Walkability is one of the key considerations of transit oriented development and new urbansim. Read more at Transportation and Planning.