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Study Finds Walkable Regional Towns Linked to Increased Physical Activity

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Study Links Town Walkability to Increased Physical Activity in Regional Australia

A study by the Menzies Institute for Medical Research has found that residents in regional Australian towns with higher walkability engage in significantly more physical activity than those in less walkable areas. The research calls for increased investment in pedestrian infrastructure to address health disparities.

Study Findings and Methodology

The research, published in the Australia and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, combined Tasmanian government health data with geospatial assessments of walkability. Walkability was defined by the connectivity and convenience of walking to local destinations such as shops, schools, parks, and public transport.

Key findings include:

  • Residents in high-walkability regional areas walked 75 minutes more per week than those in low-walkability regional areas.
  • Those in medium-walkability regional areas walked over 60 minutes more per week.
  • In urban centers, the difference was smaller, with residents in high-walkability areas walking 38 minutes more per week than those in low-walkability areas.

The study is reported to be the first to indicate that walkability has a greater impact on walking time in regional and rural communities compared to larger cities.

Health and Policy Implications

Researchers linked the findings to public health outcomes. The study noted that regional Australian towns experience higher rates of preventable chronic diseases. Senior author Professor Verity Cleland stated that improving walkability could help address these health inequalities.

The research identified a higher number of low-walkability areas in regional settings compared to urban ones. Professor Cleland noted that government planning has historically prioritized roads and driving, which has impacted the development of pedestrian infrastructure in regional areas.

Adjunct Professor Terry Slevin, CEO of the Public Health Association of Australia, highlighted physical activity as a public health priority, with benefits including reduced risk of chronic diseases and improved mental health.

Defining and Benefiting from Walkability

Professor Verity Cleland defined walkable towns as those with footpaths and pedestrian access that enable easy movement between homes, workplaces, public transport, and commercial areas.

Reported benefits of walkable infrastructure extend beyond physical health and include:

  • Potential fuel savings for residents.
  • Fostering a sense of community belonging.
  • Boosting local economies.
  • Providing environmental advantages.

Local Initiatives and Government Response

Some regional areas are implementing changes. Warrnambool City Council in Victoria has undertaken several initiatives, including:

  • Adding pedestrian crossings in the central business district.
  • Lowering the speed limit to 40km/h in certain areas.
  • Installing bike lanes.
  • Developing a project to construct 1.7 kilometers of new footpaths.

Warrnambool Mayor Ben Blain described a $534,000 footpath project as the council's largest in 20 years, funded jointly by the council and the federal government. Mayor Blain stated that improving walkability is a council priority but requires financial assistance from higher levels of government.

A Monash University Accident Research Centre study was cited, confirming that lowering speed limits to 40 km/h can significantly improve pedestrian safety.

Calls for Action and Funding

The researchers called for local, state, and federal governments to invest more in well-connected and safe footpaths in regional communities.

A Victorian Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson stated the department collaborates with local governments to improve active transport options. A federal government spokesperson mentioned the establishment of a $100 million Active Transport Fund for upgrading and constructing bicycle and walking pathways.

Context and Challenges

VicHealth data indicates a decline in walking distances among Victorians since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the average walking trip distance decreasing by nearly 30 percent.

Jo Eady, a senior advisor at the not-for-profit organization Victoria Walks, suggested measures to enhance walkability, such as installing raised pedestrian crossings and ensuring shops and services are accessible on foot.