The travel effects of community design

This study examined the effects of community design variables on travel behavior using data collected from four diverse neighborhoods in metropolitan Adelaide. The data collected for this study forms a rich basis from which these types of effects can be explored. This paper has reported the results of initial analyses of this database. The findings show the importance of detailed community design features in influencing travel behaviour that are qualitative and mostly absent from the literature of land use/transportation interactions. Apart from socio-economic specifications of the individuals (and households) such as household type, number of members, household income, and some attributes relating to daily activities, some design attributes of community also need to be considered. In other words, for those who would like to make active choices, neighbourhood design can limit their options. The low-density, single use, large-area zoning usually found in suburban landscapes further limits residents' ability to walk or cycle for daily transportation. Local networks where permeability and connectivity are high induce higher shares of walking/cycling travel. Local density and closer proximity to shopping places encourages choices of sustainable modes of travel. Furthermore, suburban development away from major activity centres results in higher private car use, thus decreasing the use of other modes. Overall, the findings of this study could be used to compare three key spatial issues in community design: dispersal versus concentration, high versus low density, and segregated versus integrated land use patterns. This can help provide the strategic framework for community planning and design.