ULI Austin - Walkshed Considerations
Walkshed is the area that is reachable to a person on foot and is defined by the paths available for pedestrians to reach their destination. An area’s walkshed impacts efforts to encourage alternative means of transportation, as well as walkability scores for affordable housing. Walkshed is particularly important in Austin as additional high-capacity and high-frequency transit is built through Project Connect and access to those transit lines and stops for community members will affect the overall success of the project. Walkshed is equally important in new communities as they plan access to amenities, commercial zones, and municipal services. Members of the ULI Austin Transportation Strategic Council developed this document to illustrate examples of existing barriers throughout Austin, accompanied by solutions to optimize connectivity and improve public safety.
Report Summary: Walkshed is the area that is reachable to a person on foot and is defined by the paths available for pedestrians to reach their destination. An area’s walkshed impacts efforts to encourage alternative means of transportation, as well as walkability scores for affordable housing. Walkshed is particularly important in Austin as additional high-capacity and high-frequency transit is built through Project Connect and access to those transit lines and stops for community members will affect the overall success of the project. Walkshed is equally important in new communities as they plan access to amenities, commercial zones, and municipal services. Members of the ULI Austin Transportation Strategic Council developed this document to illustrate examples of existing barriers throughout Austin, accompanied by solutions to optimize connectivity and improve public safety.