Measuring Walkability
We talk a lot about walkable neighborhoods. We theorize about it. We compare neighborhoods. We read urban planning books that describe it in thick detail. Now, there’s WalkScore.com – website that can provide a walkability score for your home, potential home, or business. You type in your address. The site looks up all the potential merchants and services in your area and gives it some value. Based on these values and the number of businesses, you get a score. Our Tacoma house came in at 73 – just tipping into the “Very Walkable” category. My old apartment near the St. Helens neighborhood comes in at 86. This would compare with Bill Gates’ Medina home with a score of 5 (Driving Only) or the Space Needle at 88.
The site also admits to its faults. It can’t take safety, sidewalks, or street size into consideration. It doesn’t know about the crazy neighbors, surly merchants, scary dogs, or uncrossable crosswalks.
Still, it does what it does and it’ll definitely cause at least a few of you to waste several minutes…
We like it. Now scores and data are great, but it’s time to get off your computers and go outside.
Link to WalkScore.com
6 comments
N NSHDscott March 27, 2008
The Neighborhood Councils link has an extra “t” in the “http” — just remove it and it’ll work.
W Whitney staff March 27, 2008
It’s fixed. Thanks for the heads up!
M morgan March 27, 2008
I wonder if we could we fix some downtown parks with $1,000?
M Marty March 27, 2008
I’ll bet we can make some fun improvements for a $1000.
The maximum limit is $5000.00, I am just hoping for 25 ideas to fund.
Don’t think your idea fits the guidelines? Submit it anyways, I will work to help you find the funding you need.
Take your idea, write a plan and ask for the grant.
This is a great chance to put your idea where the money is.
K kc March 27, 2008
I want to buy shopping carts that collapse for those who need them. The carts are to be used by those who need to carry groceries to and from bus stops. I think this would improve Tacoma’s landscape tremendously. I wonder why the grocery chains and stores don’t spend the money on giving away such carts rather than spending the money on retrieving carts that “go missing” on them.
R Rob Collins March 28, 2008
Marty is right, 25 dreams that are at our fingertips! How about embracing the historical nature of the Hilltop District. Use the innovative grant money to build brick arches (like the ones built near UWT or at Union Station) over MLK Jr. at major intersections. It might create just the spark Hilltop needs. I think 30th on the south side and Division on the north would be great! It could say something like “Welcome to Historical Hilltop” One problem, 5k won’t be enough. But to follow up, one way to solve that problem might be reuse old bricks (broken or not) from buildings and roads that are planned for demolition or reconstruction. Save on dumping costs and embrace our city’s heritage? Just a little thought for hilltop.