Community Walkability Checklist
A tool for every Australian to rate their local walk
Did you know that most Australians can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease, Australia’s biggest killer, by walking 30 minutes or more most days each week?
If so, what you likely didn’t know is that people who live in ‘walkable communities’ are two times as likely to get enough physical activity.
‘Walkability’ describes the factors within the built environment that make it convenient, comfortable, and safe to walk, which can either help or discourage walking.
Surprisingly, there are many areas across Australia that have a poor walkability rating. With your help we can help change that.
Rate the walkability of your local area or regular walking route
The Heart Foundation believes residents know and understand their neighbourhood better than anyone else.
The Community Walkability Checklist is an easy way to assess how walkable your neighbourhood is, guiding you through each element of the built environment, helping to identify what is walkable and can be improved.”
How to use the checklist
1. Download and read the checklist
Either print the checklist at home and return to us by post, or complete the checklist online, save and email it to us.
2. Go on your regular walk
Think about the various elements, complete or take notes/pictures along the way.
3. Complete checklist
Decide on a rating for each section and overall, enter any notes that will help explain your rating
4. Either post or email back the Heart Foundation
Once sent to the Heart Foundation, each completed checklist will provide structured feedback for local councils; identify where improvements can be made to the quality of the environment for walking.