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The objective of this paper is to investigate the attributes of walkable environments from the perspective of seniors in the Island of Montreal in Quebec, Canada. The research is based on a combination of statistical analysis of travel diary data and field work to conduct walkability audits. The approach follows a sequence of logical steps. The first step involves the estimation of a travel behavior model walking by seniors (people 65 years or older). The results of this model, in combination with cluster analysis, are used to identify sites where the model systematically under- or over-predicts walking. Subsequently, sites are targeted for walkability audits. It then becomes possible to assess the presence or absence of attributes of built environments where walking is more or less common than other factors would predict. A walkability audit of 403 street segments was used to proof the concept in this paper. The audited items were summarized in contingency tables and tested with the chi-squared test of independence to identify streetscape elements that correlate with walking for transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the graying of populations across the world, the travel behavior of seniors has become a topic of growing interest in planning and research. Most attention in the field of transportation has been devoted to motorized travel. However, the use of various modes of transportation, including nonmotorized travel, remains to be fully investigated. In this paper the multimodal trip generation of seniors in Montreal Island is studied. Personal, mobility tools, neighborhood, and accessibility variables are considered in a trivariate ordered probit model of three modes: car, transit, and walking. Geographical analysis of the walking component of the model helps to identify locations within the region where walking is more or less prevalent among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Providing information about levels of accessibility can encourage the use of different modes. [•] Internet mapping provides the tools to conveniently convey information to the public and planners. [•] A prototype accessibility calculator is created for the Greater Montreal Area. [•] Different possible uses of the accessibility calculator are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The multi-modal travel behavior of seniors in Montreal is investigated. [•] Joint discrete–continuous modeling of mode choice and trip length is conducted for the case of seniors in Montreal. [•] The analysis identifies various determinants of propensity to travel by different modes, and the length of trips. [•] Use of spatial analysis highlights the existence of substantial intra-urban variations in walking behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]