Washington State School Walk Score

Abstract

This study examines factors affecting children's walking to and from school in Washington state, utilizing data from the 2016 Washington State Student Travel Survey and built environment data. Walkability scores for K-8 schools were determined under different data availability scenarios, using models developed with extensive data from King County and applied statewide. Scores were based on street connectivity, vehicular traffic exposure, and school enrollment, with an additional Walking Potential Score estimating the percentage of children likely to walk to school. On average, 21.5% of students were estimated to walk to or from school. This pioneering study introduces school walkability scoring in any state, providing insights for funding allocation to promote walking to school and identifying modifiable environmental factors. An appendix offers Walkability and Walking Potential Scores for K-8 schools in Washington state by county and school district.