Mélange Accessibility for All Magazine October 2021 | Page 94

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The pandemic highlights the importance of walkable and wheelable neighbourhoods

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of neighbourhoods and how they fare in terms of walkability and wheelability . Neighbourhood walkability and wheelability are defined as the “ measure of how well a neighbourhood fosters active forms of transportation .” Very walkable and wheelable neighbourhoods have built environments , or humanmade surroundings , that support physical and social activity .

Built environment design features support inclusion and in many cases , neighbourhoods that are designed with this in mind are good for everyone .

Unfortunately , most neighbourhood built environments are not designed for everyone . They can in fact create exclusionary environments for people with disabilities and older adults .

The pandemic brings into focus neighbourhood walkability and wheelability by highlighting persistent inaccessibility issues . It also creates the opportunity to advocate for change and bring about rapid and innovative solutions .

Barriers and facilitators to mobility As neighbourhood walkability and wheelability are impacted by the built environment , poorly maintained and constructed neighbourhoods can create barriers that prevent community access and eliminate opportunities to participate in local activities .