Abby Mader invites us to think of urban spaces in a different way as she explores the benefits of walkable cities.

An era of rapid expansion and growth is dawning upon our cities: by 2050, it is expected that 68% of the world’s population will live in urbanised areas. The world’s population has exploded from 751 million in 1950 to a predicted 8 billion people by the end of 2022.  This statement is concerning for health professionals and urban planners alike, especially with the current unsustainable pattern of growth and development. Today, most rapidly growing metropolitan areas are car-centric with troubling consequences for residents’ health. Lung diseases, depression, anxiety, and a poor overall quality of life are just a few of the unfortunate side effects of city living. 

Unless cities begin to develop in more sustainable ways, the future of urbanised areas does not look hopeful. The lifestyles of those living in tomorrow’s cities will be even worse under the strain of urban growth—that is, unless local leaders and other decision makers develop healthier, more sustainable solutions that balance expansion with population health. 

Community Benefits

To combat the negative effects of car-centric cities, urban planners have begun to prioritise walkability. By enabling city residents to walk to complete daily errands rather than drive, there have been plenty of positive outcomes. Critically, fewer cars on the road means less air pollution, and thus fewer people are susceptible to lung disease. This reduction in harmful air particles should be enough to convince medical professionals, urban planners, and climate scientists to make the move toward walkable cities. 

Urban sociologist Jane Jacobs argues that on top of the numerous physical health benefits that come along with walkability, there are also many mental health benefits that can strengthen community cohesion. Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are becoming increasingly prevalent as our lives become more isolated, whether that is through time spent in a car or stuck at a desk. When we are confined to the car, with no communication other than from the radio, we limit opportunities for interacting with our neighbours. Without some form of interaction between the individual and the community, isolation can easily occur. Walkable cities improve community structure by facilitating more natural communication and relationships to develop.

Individual Benefits

In walkable cities, exercise is an integral part of daily life and residents benefit from leading more active lives. Many health professionals recommend taking a brisk 30-minute walk a day and consider it one of the best forms of exercise.

When this can be done along with daily errands and tasks, the benefits of walking are more easily attainable. The list of physical benefits is extensive, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as reduced risk of stroke and diabetes.

The benefits are even greater for individual mental health. Endorphins released by walking can improve self-perception, lower stress, and reduce anxiety and depression. As these issues become more prominent, beneficial activities for mental health are increasingly needed. For those that feel they do not have the time to walk, walkable cities provide the perfect solution by incorporating exercise into the daily commute, making walking more accessible. Indeed, if it wasn’t for their walkable commute, some people sit for 12 or more hours on any given day. 

Walkable cities have proven themselves as a sustainable solution to many health issues prevalent in urban areas. Cities that are more walkable can help reduce the production of pollutants by reducing the number of cars on the road. Additionally, they provide opportunities for individuals to incorporate exercise into their daily life. Regardless of where you live, whether it’s a walkable city or suburban landscape, a brisk 30-minute walk can do wonders for your mental and physical health. By advocating for walkable cities in the years to come, we can create a solution for rapid urbanisation that benefits the individual as well as the community.