An updated report from U.K. charity Living Streets confirms much previous research on the correlation between walkable neighborhoods and thriving retailers. The third iteration of The Pedestrian Pound shows that people on foot spend more money than people arriving by car. And pedestrianized town centers have higher sales, states the report.
The research adds to earlier findings from, among others, Transport for London (TfL). TfL calculated in 2018 that people walking, cycling, and using public transport spent more than motorists in neighborhood shops. Those not in cars spend 40% more each month in shops than motorists, found the research undertaken by University College London’s Bartlett School of Planning.
The Pedestrian Pound features case studies of high street improvements where footfall has boosted retail takings. One of the case studies reveals that the formerly run-down Castlegate area in Sheffield was revitalized when a “dual carriageway” highway was turned into a linear park, forming a green, safe, and accessible route through the area.
Several businesses have relocated to previously vacant office buildings and warehouses in Castlegate. The improvements have resulted in the creation of at least 540 jobs, with more than 1,600 jobs projected for the near future.
First published in 2013 and then updated in 2018, the third edition of The Pedestrian Pound broadens the evidence for improved walking environments to include the benefits of happier and healthier people, stronger communities, and a more resilient environment.
“This new report proves that making high streets and town centers more walkable increases time and money spent in [retail] businesses,” said Living Streets’ CEO Catherine Woodhead.
National Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman agreed: “Walkable high streets make for vibrant, happier, and healthier communities, which is good for business.”
He added: “Making the centers of our towns, cities, and villages easier and safer to get about on foot means people are more likely to spend more time there supporting local shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants.”
