In this episode, Dr. Leif Tapanila and Peter Pruett are joined by Jim Anglesey, the Long-Range Planner for the City of Pocatello. Together, they discuss the concept and benefits of walkable cities.
Walkability
Walkable neighborhoods are in high demand across the country and it’s hardly a mystery why. Walking is a convenient, affordable, and healthy way to get around that never goes out of style, as long as people can do it safely and conveniently. Walkable places are created in part by mixing land uses and taking advantage of compact design, but are activated by street design that prioritizes the pedestrian experience to make walking not only practical but safe and convenient to enjoy. The Walkability Map… provides information on areas within Pocatello and their level of walkability. This information is based off of areas that are within a ¼ - ½ mile from community amenities including: parks, schools, fresh produce or food items, and healthcare facilities. The more amenities within a certain area, the higher the walk score is for that area. Based off of these criteria, the most walkable areas in Pocatello are found in and around the Downtown area. By building on the concept of complete neighborhoods, Pocatello can create a greater level of walkability throughout the City by allowing for the development of neighborhood centers where community amenities are within walking distance for most residents.
