Walking for purpose and pleasure influences of light rail, built environment, and residential self-selection on pedestrian travel

Planners are increasingly promoting active travel as a strategy to reduce auto dependence and encourage physical activity. That rail transit promotes walking to the extent that passengers typically access stations by walking is evident. However, few studies focus on the carryover effect of light rail and associated built environment features on additional pedestrian travel. This study explored the effects of light rail and the built environment on the frequency of utilitarian walking (shopping trips) and recreational walking (strolling) from 1,303 randomly surveyed residents in five corridors in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Results from two negative binomial regression models showed that after controlling Tor demographics, travel attitudes, and residential preferences, walking to the store was significantly associated with population density, proximity to commercial land use, and street network interruptions (cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets). Strolling was also associated with street network interruptions. The findings carry important implications for planners to capitalize on built environment improvements around new light rail projects to increase rates of walking.