Walkability in small rural towns: Citizen scientists identify investment in pedestrian infrastructure as key to promoting health and wellbeing.

INTRODUCTION

The evidence base for how the physical environment hinders or supports walking for people living in rural and regional areas, where residents are at high risk for chronic disease and inactivity, is limited. This study investigated the built, physical environmental and spatial characteristics of small rural towns that influence walkability and identified community priorities for action.

METHODS

Using a mixed methods approach this study combined spatial assessments of walkability for 92 rural Australian towns with populations less than 6000 and citizen science approaches. Towns were ranked by a macro-level walkability score, grouped into deciles and one town from each decile selected for a micro-level walkability audit by citizen scientists. Community workshops in each of these towns identifed priorities for action. Audit data were analysed descriptively, workshop data and open-ended responses were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Towns were categorised as low (N = 4), medium (N = 3) and high (N = 3) walkability with 87 citizen scientists participating in the project. Two major attributes emerged that negatively impacted actual and perceived walkability: traffic safety and pedestrian connectivity. Limited and poorly maintained pedestrian infrastructure underpinned these attributes. Citizen scientists identified strategies for improving walkability including lighting, signage, seating, maintenance of existing paths, and the creation of new trails.

CONCLUSION

Maintenance of existing and investment in new pedestrian infrastructure is needed to address the traffic safety concerns and pedestrian connectivity challenges impacting walkability in these rural towns. Citizen scientists identified practical solutions to strengthen pedestrian infrastructure to enhance walkability, demonstrating the value of citizen-led planning and rural health promotion.