A new study reveals a troubling correlation between high "Walk Score" ratings and predominantly white neighborhoods in Chicago. Researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago and UC Berkeley found that scores reflect proximity to amenities, ignoring essential factors like pedestrian safety, affordability, and community demographics. This bias may result in developers prioritizing affluent areas, further distancing investment from neighborhoods of color. The study highlights the need for more nuanced measures of walkability that account for diverse community needs and experiences, aiming to address systemic inequities in urban planning.
"To me, what Walk Score really is a measure of is destination concentration in affluent areas, ignoring the lived experiences of diverse communities."
"Walk Score ignores how various groups experience walkability. Factors such as income, accessibility, and local policing play crucial roles in whether a neighborhood is genuinely walkable."
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