How walkable is your city?

There are many reasons why walkable cities work. Pedestrian level engagement with the environment increases exposure to the city creating recognition of neighborhoods, retail areas, provided services, public spaces, etc. A walkable city is a healthier city, there is less traffic congestion, less pollution, safer streets (more eyes looking out for you), people get a tad bit more exercise. I could go on and on.

Instead I offer you a chance to rate the walkability of your city with the walk-o-meter. Just kidding, such a thing doesn't exist. Yet.

I present instead the Walk Score. Just input your zip code and google maps is queried to find certain services in your area from grocery stores to libraries, parks to hardware stores.

A small sampling of results.

Downtown Cleveland (44114) - 35/100
Lakewood, Ohio (inner ring cleveland suburb 44107) - 80/100
West Bank (44113) - 71/100
Midtown (where I moved from Lakewood to 44103) - 66/100
Mentor, Ohio (where no one freaking walks 44060) - 37/100

At first I thought I would find the results skewed and really quite wrong but after really testing the system I have to surprisingly report that I am amazed at how accurate I think the system is.

Here are the particulars

How It Works
Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. Walk Score calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Check out how Walk Score doesn't work.

What does my score mean?
Your Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100. The walkability of an address depends on how far you are comfortable walking—after all, everything is within walking distance if you have the time. Here are general guidelines for interpreting your score:

90 - 100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
70 - 90 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
50 - 70 = Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a car.
25 - 50 = Not Walkable: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving is a must.
0 - 25 = Driving Only: Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!
How it Works
Walk Score™ uses a patent-pending algorithm to calculate the walkability of an address based on:

The distance to walkable locations near an address.
Calculating a score for each of these locations.
Combining these scores into one easy to read Walk Score