Mobility independence is essential for health and well-being of communities. Proximity to service destinations such as public transport, schools and open space is widely accepted as a promoter of active transport choices and physical activity. Designing cities which are conducive to walking and cycling is critical to addressing physical inactivity, the fourth leading contributor to the burden of disease globally.

Neighbourhoods with high quality pedestrian environments including good network accessibility, comfortable topography (not too steep), have safe intersections with low level pedestrian risk, are tree-lined with good human thermal comfort and have low levels of air pollution encourage walking for transport and recreation.

Urban design professionals currently lack suitable tools to evaluate these built environment factors in an integrated design decision making process. New tools are needed which can be used to evaluate, quantify and communicate the ‘walk-quality’ of existing streetscapes as well as test and provide evidence of potential gains from improved designs (“what-if” scenarios).

Residents also lack tools to help them plan the safest, most comfortable and healthy routes.