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Spotlight on Urban Health Seminar Series

 

Meeting the Market for Walkable Environments: 

The Health and Environmental Benefits of Preference-Based Community Design

 

Lawrence Frank, PhD
ASLA, AICP Bombardier Chair in Sustainable Transportation University of
British Columbia 

and Senior Non-Resident Fellow, Brookings Institution

 

SUMMARY

 

Research to date has shown that increased walkability of neighbourhoods is
associated with more walking and transit, less auto use, reduced air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and lower levels of obesity.
However, recent evidence suggests that these associations are a function of
preferences that shape travel patterns and residential location choice and
not  the design of neighbourhoods themselves.  Research will be presented
that addresses the question of whether it is the physical environment or
preferences or both that explain travel and its related outcomes when
adjusting for demographic factors while addressing the market for different
types of community environments.  Findings from several recent peer reviewed
papers will be presented focusing on how physical neighbourhood design
characteristics influence travel, environmental, and health factors when
adjusting for demographic and residential preferences.  Market demand for
walkable versus unwalkable environments will be assessed and directions for
future research will be discussed and policy implications based on new
evidence will be conveyed.

 

University of Toronto, Galbraith Building (35 St. George) Rm. 119

January 24, 2007

1:00 - 2:30PM

 

Upcoming Seminars:

 

February 28th: Amy Schultz & Angela Reyes

Title TBA

 

May 2nd: Dr. Valerie Tarasuk, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto

Title TBA

 

Please see our website for upcoming seminar summaries and other events:
www.cuhi.utoronto.ca <http://www.cuhi.utoronto.ca/> 

 

 

 

Alexis Kane Speer

Centre Coordinator

Centre for Urban Health Initiatives (CUHI)

University College, Room 259

University of Toronto

15 King's College Circle

Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H7

416-978-7223

FAX: 416-946-0669

 


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