Abstract
If healthcare exists to promote well-being, should the journey to access it not also support healthier, more equitable forms of mobility? While walking represents a healthy and active mode of accessing healthcare facilities, it is most often feasible as the final segment of a multimodal journey primarily undertaken via public transit. This study evaluates the walkability of routes from public transit stops to healthcare facilities in Sacramento, California, focusing on equity in access for disadvantaged communities.
Using a modified Pedestrian Environment Data Scan (PEDS) tool, detailed field audits were conducted for 56 healthcare destinations, including hospitals, primary care clinics, specialty clinics, outpatient centers, and community health centers. Each walking route was assessed across three categories: Safety, Comfort, and Convenience. Walkability audits revealed that although basic infrastructure like sidewalks and flat terrain was present, key walkability barriers included inadequate pedestrian lighting, insufficient buffers from traffic, and limited amenities near transit stops.
To further examine the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and walkability, a multiple linear regression was performed. Results revealed that areas with larger populations, a larger female population, and a larger Asian population all had negative impact on comfort, safety, and convenience. When combined with the result that income had a positive impact with the same variables, these findings highlight a concerning equity gap: communities most likely to depend on public transit for healthcare access are often those facing the least supportive walking environments.