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Arlington and Walkability

Recognized in 2004 as the safest place for pedestrians in Northern Virginia, Arlington is committed to maintaining and improving its pedestrian-friendly environment. Over the last five years, Arlington has invested more than $13 million in specific pedestrian-safety-related capital improvements, such as traffic-calming measures, intersection improvements and sidewalks, curbs and gutters. Currently, more than $17.5 million in projects are in the pipeline, and about $16.2 million are budgeted over the next six years. These figures do not include other transportation improvements, all of which are designed with pedestrians in mind.

Walkability is central to the urban village concept. Arlington's long-time commitment to smart growth has helped to keep development concentrated in areas that remain small enough to be walkable. These "urban villages" are also well-served by public transportation and bicycle routes, making them ideal places to "live, work, shop, play... no car required."

Getting people out of their cars not only promotes a sense of community and enhances the quality of life in Arlington's urban villages; it also has environmental and health benefits for Arlington residents. The link between automobile use and environmental pollution is well known, and a 2004 study has linked time spent driving with weight gain and the negative health effects that go along with it.

To find out more about Arlington's efforts to promote walking, visit WALKArlington.com.

Arlington's urban villages are walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods well served by public transportation. People who live in these neighborhoods are able to walk to shopping or to restaurants and hop on Metrorail, Metrobus or ART when they need to go anywhere else in the Washington Metro area. More about Arlington's urban villages.