The most, and least, walkable cities

A recent study analyzing commuting patterns among 850 million people across 794 cities reveals significant global disparities in walkability and transportation preferences. The research indicates that over half of respondents still commute by car daily, with North American cities showing the lowest levels of active mobility, where less than 4% walk to work and only 5% use public transport. In contrast, major Asian cities exhibit high public transport usage, while European cities display a mix of commuting methods, with larger cities like London and Paris favoring public transport. The study, conducted by researchers Rafael Prieto-Curiel and Juan Pablo Ospina, focused on work-related travel and excluded data from the pandemic period to ensure consistency. The findings highlight that the 100 least active cities are predominantly in North America, attributed to long-standing pro-car policies. Quelimane, Mozambique, ranks as the most active city, with several European cities, particularly in Spain, also performing well. The research suggests that wealthier cities tend to have more car journeys, with a correlation indicating that doubling a city's income results in a 37% increase in car use. However, there is a growing trend among officials in affluent regions to promote car-free alternatives, as seen in cities like Singapore and Paris, where only 30% and 20% of residents drive to work, respectively. Despite the rising number of cars globally, increasing congestion is prompting a shift towards more sustainable urban mobility solutions.