Scoring the Sidewalks: Worcester Research Bureau Updates ‘Walkability’ Factor

WORCESTER—The proof is in the pedestrian, as illustrated by a Lincoln Street “walk audit” conducted earlier this year by the Worcester Research Bureau.

The bureau audits areas for their “walkability” factors. And in its latest brief, the bureau summarized some existing research on the subject of walkability, and used that data and analysis to come up with a scorecard that Worcester residents can use to find the most pedestrian-friendly of local roads.

“Walkability has numerous benefits across community health, environmental sustainability, and economic development,” said the bureau’s statement this week, “and is an ongoing focus of state and municipal governments, as well as neighborhood groups.”