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Abolishment of Public Sidewalks Eliminates Pedestrian Access

Promoting pedestrian-friendly development, like sidewalks, enhances active commuting, as per a recent study. However, a Quebec resident expresses disappointment, stating, "While we're broadening highways, there's no budget for ensuring safe walking spaces in our local communities."

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Stepping Up for a Healthier Tomorrow: The Power of Walkable Communities

Abolishment of Public Sidewalks Eliminates Pedestrian Access

Cities worldwide are slow to invest in the creation of walkways and infrastructure that promotes walking, due to high costs and uncertain outcomes. But, a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology sheds light on the positive impact these changes can have on population health and active commuting.

A Step in the Right Direction

Researchers found that a 1% increase in a region's "walkability" resulted in a 0.42% increase in the population's minutes spent walking [1]. This translates to a 23% increase in walking for a 55% improvement in walkability, equating to around 19 minutes per week for each resident of the area. The study suggests a nearly causal relationship between walkable infrastructure and increased walking rates [2].

Density Matters

Higher population density is crucial for promoting walking, regardless of whether we’re discussing urban, suburban, or rural areas. Creating livelier neighborhoods, where residents both walk and have walkable destinations, is essential [3].

Forward Progress Stunted

However, the argument that safe infrastructure fosters foot traffic is often misunderstood by decision-makers. While the acceptance for cycling infrastructure is growing, the same can't be said for walking paths. Oftentimes, officials claim there's no need for sidewalks where there are few pedestrians, but the reality is quite the opposite – a lack of infrastructure stifles walking’s popularity [4].

A Success Story

The success of Quebec's VivaCité (CVC) corridors demonstrates the impact of walkable infrastructure. These dedicated bike paths and quiet sidewalks away from traffic congestion have led to increased business sales, reduced vehicle traffic, and significantly more foot traffic [4].

An Uphill Battle

Some argue that Quebec isn't densely enough populated to encourage walking. However, evidence shows that 70% of Canadians live within 1.5 km or less of a primary school, and nearly 46% reside within 1 km of a grocery store, making walking a viable transportation option [4]. Yet, a lack of infrastructure all too often eliminates walking from the equation.

Unfortunately, in many Quebec municipalities, the main thoroughfare is a numbered route managed by the Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility, frequently neglecting pedestrian-friendly infrastructure [4]. It's unacceptable that the MTMD funds road repairs but not sidewalks, with a main street without sidewalks in a village becoming a relic of the past by 2025.

The Falling Generation

The absence of pedestrian amenities and increased vehicle traffic discourages active transportation, according to Ann-Julie Rheaume, a Quebec citizen and co-organizer of the "Not One More Death" movement. carbinked

Over the course of just one generation, the percentage of youth walking to school has plummeted from 80% to 20%. This trend, which undermines children's autonomy and socialization, contributes to academic struggle. As the Quebec Ministry talks sustainability, a paltry $52 million allocated for the entire province fails to show in the budget. Meanwhile, investments in highway expansion continue, while funding for safe walking routes in local neighborhoods remains elusive.

  1. The success in Quebec's VivaCité (CVC) corridors, featuring bike paths and walkable sidewalks, has shown a significant impact on increasing business sales, reducing vehicle traffic, and boosting foot traffic.
  2. In environmental-science, higher population density, whether it's in urban, suburban, or rural areas, is essential for promoting walking and creating livelier neighborhoods.
  3. The finance sector may consider investing in the creation of walkways and infrastructure, as a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology revealed a nearly causal relationship between walkable infrastructure and increased walking rates, contributing positively to health-and-wellness through active commuting.
  4. The transportation industry might reconsider focusing solely on road repairs, as the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in many Quebec municipalities contributes to the decline of active transportation, such as walking.
  5. As the health-and-wellness industry advocates for healthy-diets and fitness-and-exercise, it's crucial to incorporate considerations for walkable communities in urban planning and development, encouraging pedestrian activities and reducing vehicle traffic for a more sustainable future.
Expanding pedestrian facilities like sidewalks encourages active commuting, confirms a recent research study. However, a Quebec resident expresses disappointment, asserting there's a lack of funding for safe walking paths in local communities despite expanding highways.
Expansion of walk-friendly infrastructures, including sidewalks, boosts active commuting, as suggested by recent research. However, in Quebec, while highways are being expanded, there appears to be a lack of funding for ensuring pedestrian safety within residential areas, a local resident expresses dismay.
Enhancing pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, like sidewalks, contributes to an increase in active travel, as per a recent study. A local resident expresses frustration over the prioritization of highway expansion in Quebec at the expense of funding for pedestrian safety within residential areas.

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