Walking Habits and Attitudes Report
City of Toronto
April 2013
© 2013 Ipsos. All rights reserved. Contains Ipsos' Confidential and Proprietary information and
may not be disclosed or reproduced without the prior written consent of Ipsos.
Table of Contents
Page #
Background and Objectives
3
Methodology
4
Reporting Conventions
5
Executive Summary
7
Key Findings
General Behaviours and Commuting
11
Walking Behaviour
19
Attitudes Towards Walking
27
Importance and Satisfaction with Pedestrian Services & Gap
Analysis
48
Appendix: Demographics
59
2
Background and Objectives
 The City of Toronto, Transportation Services, commissioned Ipsos Reid to conduct
public opinion research about walking habits and attitudes among Toronto
residents. This research would provide an update to public opinion research
previously conducted in 2007.
The objectives of this research are (but not limited) to:
 Provide an understanding of the walking behavior of Toronto residents and their
underlying reasons for walking,
 Determine where there is potential to increase walking opportunities,
 Determine if there is any recognition of current City walking programs and
material; and,
 Develop a profile of walkers in the City.
3
Methodology
 A random and representative sample of 1000 Toronto residents over the age of 16 were
surveyed via telephone between November 9 and December 2, 2012.
 The data was weighted according to the 2011 Statistics Canada census data by age, gender
and district to make certain that the data accurately reflects the actual distribution
residents of the City of Toronto.
 The margin of error on the sample of total residents and city district is outlined in the table
below:
District
Old Toronto/East York
Etobicoke/York
Scarborough
North York
Total
Sample Size
n=320
n=200
n=240
n=240
n=1000
Margin of Error
+/- 5.5%
+/- 6.9%
+/- 6.3%
+/- 6.3%
+/- 3.1%
 Where possible 2007 tracking data is included in this report. The 2007 Walkability Study
was conducted by another research firm in 2007, between the dates of November 15 –
December 3, 2007.
 Statistical significance testing was conducted to compare the views of residents from 2007
and 2012 as well as between other socio-demographic profiling information such as,
district, age and gender.
4
Reporting Conventions
The following terms have been used to describe various data throughout the report.
 Unaided mentions refers to questions where respondents were not provided response categories.
Aided mentions refers to questions where respondents were provided with response categories.
 Reference to “school” includes all levels of education including post-secondary.
 Definition of respondent groups (or bases) used in this report:
 Walk Often: Includes respondents who walk as their primary mode of transportation to any
specified destination in question A2.
 Do Not Walk Often: Includes respondents who do not walk as a primary mode of
transportation to any specified destination in question A2.
 Walk Ever: Includes respondents who walk to any destination in question A6.
 Walk Ever to Destination: Includes respondents who have ever walked to specified destination
in question A6.
 Frequently Walking Torontonians: includes those who walk to their respective destinations at
least half of the time
5
Statistical Significance Testing
 Respondents to a survey questionnaire are a sample of the total population that was eligible to
take part in the survey. In consequence, all results are subject to sampling tolerances, which means
that not all differences between results are statistically significant with 95% confidence.
 In order to see whether an increase or decrease in comparable figures is actually significant, we apply
significance tests to allow us to determine whether or not a finding is the result of a genuine difference
between two (or more) items, or whether it is just due to chance.
 Increases or decreases in the commentary throughout the report is identified as ‘statistically
significant’.
 In the tables throughout the report, each column going from left to right across the tables is denoted
by a letter in sequential order; a, b, c etc. If one or more of these letters appears beside a percentage
figure it means that this percentage is significantly different to the percentage in the designated
column(s).
 For instance, if a particular result (e.g. strongly agree) in column c has letters ‘a’ and ‘b’ beside it, this
means that in this example ‘strongly agree’ in column c is statistically higher than those in columns ‘a’
and ‘b’. This approach to highlighting significant differences is used throughout the tables. .
6
Executive Summary
7
Executive Summary
General Behaviour & Commuting
 Half of Torontonians (48%) say they go to work or volunteer 4-5 days a week, while one-in-ten (13%)
report that they go to work or volunteer 6 or 7 days a week.
 On average, Torontonians spend 4 days a week working or volunteering, 3 days a week going for leisure
walks and shopping, and 2 days a week going/taking someone to school. Those living in Old Toronto and
East York are statistically significantly more likely than residents in North York to work or volunteer and
they are more likely that North York and Etobicoke and York residents to go shopping, on average.
 When commuting to work or to volunteer, half of Torontonians (49%) most often choose to drive, while
three-in-ten (35%) choose public transit and one-in-ten (10%) choose to walk.
 Among public transit riders, the vast majority (93%) report that they walk to their transit stop and the
vast majority (72%) say it takes them 5 minutes or less to walk to their transit spot. Residents of
Etobicoke and York (87%) and Scarborough (90%) are statistically significantly less likely to walk to their
transit stop, compared to Old Toronto and East York residents (97%).
Walking Behaviour
 The average Torontonian reports walking to school more often than any other destination. This is
followed closely by walking to go shopping, to leisure activities, and finally to work or to volunteer.
• On average, residents from Old Toronto and East York are statistically significantly more likely to walk to
their destinations (with the exception of school) more frequently than residents in any other city
district.
• The average length of time it takes to walk to school among those who do has statistically significantly
increased from 17.6 minutes in 2007 to 23.7 minutes in 2012.
8
Executive Summary
Neighbourhood Walkabilty
 Three-quarters (77%) of residents say their neighbourhood is ‘very walkable’ – a statistically significant
increase from 74% in 2007. Residents of Old Toronto and East York are statistically significantly more
likely to say that their neighbourhood is ‘very walkable’ or ‘somewhat walkable’ (97%) compared to
North York residents (92%).
 Six-in-ten (59%) residents report that ‘all’ of the streets in their neighbourhood have sidewalks, while
one-third (33%) say that ‘most’ of the streets in their neighbourhood have sidewalks. Residents in Old
Toronto and East York (74%) are the most likely to say that ‘all’ of the streets in their neighbourhood
have sidewalks (compared to 52% of Etobicoke York residents, 51% of North York residents, and 52% of
Scarborough residents).
• Nearly half (45%) of Torontonians say that they are ‘very’ comfortable walking at night, while eight-inten (79%) say they are ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable – a statistically significant improvement from
75% in 2007.
Where Torontonians are Walking and Who they are Walking With
• Three-quarters (75%) of Torontonians say that they go for leisure walks around their own
neighbourhood – a statistically significant increase from 69% in 2007. Retirees and those 65 years of age
and older (82%, respectively) are the most likely to walk around their own neighbourhood, while those
under 54 are the most likely to walk on trails and parks (53% among those between the ages of 18-34
and 50% among those between 35-54 year olds). Men (53%) are significantly more likely than women to
walk around parks (44%).
 Half (56%) of Torontonians say they take leisure walks alone (a statistically significant increase from 45%
in 2007). Those most likely to walk alone include those living on their own, over the age of 54, have lived
at their current location for over 10 years, have a visual impairment, or are a retiree.
• Torontonians choose to walk primarily because of the health benefits associated with this form of
physical activity. Other important reasons include convenience and low cost.
9
Executive Summary
Pedestrian Services
 When thinking about the City services that have the greatest impact on ‘walkability’, Torontonians cite
winter sidewalk snow removal (86%), lighting on pedestrian walkways/paths (78%), and general
sidewalk maintenance/repairs (78%) as the most important. Women (85%) as well as residents living in
old Toronto and East York are the most likely to mention lighting (98%). Few Toronto residents
mentioned that walking information (20%) or walking maps (19%) are very important to them.
 Satisfaction with a number of City of Toronto services has statistically significantly increased since 2007.
Namely, overall satisfaction has increased with services such as pedestrian countdown timers (86%, up
11 points since 2007), adequate crossing times at intersections (83%, up 7 points), the number of transit
shelters (66%, up 6 points), winter sidewalk snow removal (62%, up 8 points), convenience of benches
(59%, up 9 points), and the number of intersections with audible signals (57%, up 9 points).
 Satisfaction levels have not declined for any City provided services related to walkability since 2007.
10
Key Findings:
General Behaviours
and Commuting
11
Frequency of Activity
• On average, Torontonians are going to work or to volunteering 4 days a week, while they are going for leisure walks or
going shopping 3 days a week, on average.
• Torontonians are going or taking someone to school and going to other leisure activities/entertainment on average 2 days
a week respectively.
Frequency of Activity
Average Number
of Days Doing
Activity per Week
2012
QA1. In an average week, how many days a week do you do each of the following? How about… (read list)
Base: All Respondents 2012: (n=1000); All Respondents 2007 (n=1001).
2007
3.8
3.8
2.7
2.6
2.5
2.4
2.2
2.1
1.6
1.5
* Figures less than 3% are not shown.
12
Frequency of Activity by Gender, Age and City District
• On average, men are statistically significantly more likely to work and participate in leisure and entertainment activities
compared to women (4.1 days and 2.3 days compared to 3.5 days and 2.1 days, respectively).
• Those living in Old Toronto and East York are statistically significantly more likely to work or volunteer compared to North
York residents (3.9 days compared to 3.5 days, respectively) and to go shopping compared to North York and Etobicoke and
York residents (2.7 days compared to 2.3 days, respectively).
• Scarborough residents are statistically significantly more likely to go or take someone to school, compared to Old Toronto
and East York residents (1.8 days compared to 1.3 days, respectively).
Activity
Gender
Age
District
Male
Female
18-34
35-54
55-64
65+
Old Toronto/
East York
Etobicoke/
York
North
York
Scarborough
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
B
C
D
(n=1000)
(n=448)
(n=552)
(n=240)
(n=370)
(n=350)
(n=182)
(n=300)
(n=220)
(n=240)
(n=240)
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Days
Go to work or volunteer
3.8
4.1 B
3.5
4.1 E
4.5 E
3.8 F
1.8
3.9 C
3.8
3.5
3.8
Go for walks, but not to get
somewhere in particular
2.7
2.6
2.8
2.3
2.7
3.1C
3.3 CD
2.7
2.8
2.9 D
2.5
Go shopping
2.5
2.4
2.5
2.1
2.6 C
2.8 C
2.9 C
2.7 BC
2.3
2.3
2.5
2.2
2.3 B
2.1
2.3
2.1
2.4
2
2.4
2.2
2.1
2.1
1.6
1.5
1.7
2.1EF
1.8 EF
0.6 F
0.3
1.3
1.7
1.7
1.8 A
Total
Go places to participate in
leisure or entertainment
activities, such as dining
out,...
Go to school or take
someone to school
QA1. In an average week, how many days a week do you do each of the following? How about… (read list)
Base: All Respondent 2012 (n=1000).
13
Primary Mode of Transportation to Work or Volunteer and School
• Among those Torontonians who work or volunteer, half (49%) chose to drive, while 35% take public transit and 10% walk.
• Among those residents who go or take someone to school, 43% drive, 28% take public transit, and 22% walk.
• Those living in Old Toronto and East York are statistically significantly more likely to chose to walk to work or to volunteer
(16% of respondents) than residents in other districts of Toronto.
• There exists no statistically significant differences in 2012 compared to 2007.
Primary Mode of Transportation
Go to work or volunteer
(n=782)
Go to school or take someone to
school
(n=363)
* Figures less than 3% are not shown.
QA2. What mode of transportation do you use most often for each of the following? How about… (read list)
Base: Those who participated in activity with a valid response 2012: go to work or volunteer (n=782), go to school or take someone to school
(n=363); Those who participate in activity with a valid response 2007 (n=344-973).
14
Primary Mode of Transportation to Shopping and Leisure/Entertainment
Activities
• Among those residents who go shopping, six-in-ten (60%) choose to drive, while 20% walk and 16% take public transit.
• Among those residents that go to places to participate in leisure and entertainment activities, half (54%) choose to drive,
while 25% take public transit, and 14% walk most often.
• Residents in Old Toronto and East York are statistically significantly more likely to walk to go shopping (33% of
respondents), compared to residents of other districts. While, Torontonians 65 years of age and older are the most likely to
walk to go shopping, on the other hand younger Torontonians between the ages of 18-34 are the least likely to drive to
shopping.
• Overall, statistically significantly fewer Toronto residents drive most often to leisure and entertainment activities in 2012,
compared to 2007.
Primary Mode of Transportation
Go shopping
(n=977)
To your leisure activity
(n=928)
* Figures less than 3% are not shown.
QA2. What mode of transportation do you use most often for each of the following? How about… (read list)
Base: Those who participated in activity with a valid response 2012: go shopping (n=977) and to your leisure activity (n=928); Those who
participate in activity with a valid response 2007 (n=350-973).
15
Average Duration of Commute to Destination by Total and District
• On average, Torontonians spend 30.5 minutes commuting to work or to volunteer, 21.9 minutes going to a leisure activity,
21.7 minutes to go to or take someone to school, and 15.2 minutes to go shopping.
• Scarborough residents are statistically significantly more likely to spend more time commuting to work than residents of
Old Toronto and East York (33 minutes compared to 28.3 minutes, respectively).
Activity
Total Year by Year
District
2012
2007
Old Toronto/
East York
A
B
A
B
C
D
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
To work or volunteer
30.5
29.3
28.3
31.6
29.6
33 A
To your leisure activity
21.9
22.3
19.8
20.4
23.5
24.5
Go to school/take someone to school
21.7
18.8
21
22.5
23.2
21.8
To go shopping
15.2
16
14.9
16.2
15.4
14.7
Etobicoke/ York North York
QA3. Using your main mode of transportation, how long on average does it take you to get to each of the following?
Base: Among those who commute to destination 2012: to work or volunteer (n=773), to your leisure activity (n=923), go to school/take
someone to school (n=358), to go shopping (n=977). Those who participated in activity with a valid response 2007: (n=344-972).
Scarborough
16
Average Duration of Commute to Destination using Primary Mode of
Transportation and by District
• Across the board, commuting times are longest for those whose main mode of transportation is public transit and shortest
for those who walk.
Activity
To work or volunteer (n=773)
To your leisure activity (n=923)
Go to school/take someone to school (n=358)
To go shopping (n=977)
Primary Mode of Transportation
Walk
Bike
Drive
Car poor
Taxi
Public Transit
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
14
23.7
26.1
31.1
20.2
39.9
17.4
21.6
19.9
23.1
26
29.3
10
16.6
14.5
20.8
13
40.6
13.8
11.3
13.7
18.2
22.5
25.2
QA3. Using your main mode of transportation, how long on average does it take you to get to each of the following?
Base: Commutes to destination 2012: to work or volunteer (n=773), to your leisure activity (n=923), go to school/take someone to school
(n=358), to go shopping (n=977). Those who participated in activity with a valid response 2007 (n=344-972).
17
Getting to Public Transit
• Among public transit users, 93% report that they walk to their transit stop. About seven-in-ten (72%) transit users who
walk say it takes them 5 minutes or less to walk to their transit stop.
• Statistically significantly fewer residents of Etobicoke and York (87%) and Scarborough (90%) are walking to their transit
stop, compared to Old Toronto and East York residents (97%).
• These results are unchanged from 2007 figures.
Getting to Transit Stop
Time it Takes to Arrive at Transit Stop
QA4. When you take public transit, how do you usually get to your transit stop/station? Base: Uses Public transit 2012 (n=412).
QA5. How long does it take to walk to your transit stop/station? Base: Goes to transit stop or transit station by walk 2012 (n=379).
18
Walking Behaviour
19
Frequency of Walking to Activity
• Torontonians are most likely to walk to a leisure activity (36% never walk) or to go shopping (24% never walk) and less
likely to walk to work (61% never walk).
• Among those who go or take someone to school, residents spend 1.9 days walking per week on average, more days
walking than any other destination, on average.
Frequency of Walking Activity
Average Number
of Days Walk per
Week
2012
2007
1.3
1.2
1.9
2.0
1.6
1.5
1.5
1.5
* Figures less than 3% are not shown.
QA6. During good weather, how many days in an average a week do you walk to do each of the following?
Base: Those who participated in activity with a valid response 2012: to work or volunteer (n=782), go to school/take someone to school (n=363),
to go shopping (n=977), to your leisure activity (n=928); Those who participate in activity with a valid response 2007 (n=344-973).
20
Frequency of Walking to Activity by Walking Torontonians
•Torontonians who ever walk to their activity (All Walking Torontonians) and those who are considered frequent walkers
(defined as those who walk to their respective destinations at least half of the time) ) on average walk much more
frequently compared to the average for all Torontonians.
• Among those Torontonians who ever walk to various activities, the majority walk more often to work/volunteer or to
school more often, compared to go shopping or to a place to participate in a leisure activity. The same is true of frequent
walkers – they spend more days per week walking to work/volunteer or to school, compared to other destinations.
Number of Days Walking to Activity Per Week
All Torontonians
All Walking
Torontonians
Frequently Walking
Torontonians
Days
Days
Days
Go to work or volunteer
(n=782)
1.3
3.3
4.5
Go to school or take someone to school
(n=363)
1.9
3.4
4.4
Go shopping
(n=977)
1.6
2.5
3.1
To your leisure activity
(n=928)
1.5
2.4
3.1
Destination
*All Walking Torontonians includes those that ever walk to any destination.
* “frequently walking Torontonians” are those with a greater than 0.5 value for their ratio of weekly walking frequency
over weekly trip frequency.
QA6. During good weather, how many days in an average a week Do You Walk to do each of the following? “All Torontonians” and “All Walking
Torontonians”. Base varies: go to work or volunteer (n=782), go too school or take someone to school (n=363), go shopping (n=977), to your
leisure activity (n=928).
21
Average Days Walking to Activity by City District
• On average, residents from Old Toronto and East York are statistically significantly more likely to walk to go shopping (2.2
days), to walk to their leisure activity (1.9 days) or to walk to work or to volunteer (1.7 days) more frequently than residents
in other districts.
• Additionally, households with children under the age of 18 are statistically significantly more likely to walk to school for
more days of the week (2.2 days) compared to those households without children (1.6 days). Younger residents (18-34 year
olds) are statistically significantly more likely to frequently walk to school than those residents over the age of 35.
Activity
District
Old Toronto/ East
York
Etobicoke/ York
North York
Scarborough
A
B
C
D
Days
Days
Days
Days
2
1.7
2.1
1.8
To go shopping (n=977)
2.2 BCD
1.2
1.5
1.4
To your leisure activity (n=928)
1.9 BD
1.1
1.6 B
1.3
To work or volunteer (n=782)
1.7 BCD
1
1.1
1.2
Go to school/take someone to school (n=363)
QA6. During good weather, how many days in an average a week do you walk to do each of the following?
Base: Those who participated in activity with a valid response 2012: go to school/take someone to school (n=363), to go shopping (n=977), to
your leisure activity (n=928), to work or volunteer (n=782).
22
Time Spent Walking to Destination
• The average length of time is takes to go/take someone to school has statistically significantly increased from 17.6 minutes
in 2007 to 23.7 minutes in 2012.
• Men are walking statistically significantly longer to get to work than women (35.7 minutes compared to 27.1 minutes,
respectively).
• Younger residents between the ages of 18-34 are spending statistically significantly more time walking to their destination,
compared with Torontonians over the age of 34. Similarly, students, those who are unemployed, and those employed parttime spend statistically significantly more time walking to go shopping and to leisure activities compared to those residents
that are employed full-time.
Average Length of Walk to Destination
Average Length of
Walk to Destination
in Minutes
QA7. On average, how long does it take you to walk to each of the following. Base: Those who ever walk to destination 2012: to work or
volunteer (n=307), got to school/take someone to school (n=202), to go shopping (n=641), to your leisure activity (n=571).
2012
2007
31.4
27.2
23.7
17.6
16.5
16.3
22.3
21.9
23
Time Spent Walking to Destination by City District
• Residents of Etobicoke and York spend statistically significantly more time walking to go to work or to volunteer compared
to those living in Old Toronto and East York (38.2 minutes compared to 29.2 minutes, respectively). Similarly, North York
residents spend statistically significantly more time walking to a leisure activity, compared to Old Toronto and East York
residents (24.6 minutes compared to 20.2 minutes, respectively).
Activity
District
Old Toronto/ East
York
Etobicoke/ York
North York
Scarborough
A
B
C
D
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
Minutes
To work or volunteer (n=307)
29.2
38.2 A
28.4
32.1
Go to school/take someone to school (n=202)
27.5 B
17.8
24.5
24.3
To your leisure activity (n=571)
20.2
23.4
24.6 A
23.6
To go shopping (n=641)
14.8
18.3
16.7
17.9
QA7. On average, how long does it take you to walk to each of the following
Base: Those who walk ever to destination with a valid response: to work or volunteer (n=307), God to school/take someone to school (n-202),
to leisure activities (n=571), to go shopping (n=641).
24
Cumulative Walking Time
• Among those Torontonians who walk, roughly half (46%) spend less than 20 minutes walking to work or to volunteer and
59% spend less than 30 minutes walking to work.
• When walking to go shopping, three-quarters (76%) of Torontonians spend less than 20 minutes walking.
Cumulative Length of Walk
QA7. On average, how long does it take you to walk to each of the following
Base: Those who ever walk with a valid response: to work or volunteer (n=307), go to school/take someone to school (n=202), to leisure activities
(n=571), to go shopping (n=641).
25
Destination for Leisurely Walks
• Among those who Torontonians who go for walks, three-quarters (75%) say that they go for leisure walks around their own
neighbourhood, a statistically significant increase of six points from 69% in 2007.
• Retirees and those 55 years of age and older are statistically significantly more likely to walk around their own
neighbourhood than other residents. Torontonians over the age of 75 are the most likely (87%) to take their leisure walks
close to home and around their neighbourhood. Those under 54 years of age are statistically significantly more likely to
walk on trails and in parks compared to those 55 years and older.
• Men (53%) are statistically significantly more likely to walk around parks than women (44%). Those 75 years of age and
older are statistically significantly the least likely to walk along trails (9%). Torontonians are statistically less likely to walk
leisurely around the mall (12%) in 2012, compared to in 2007 (17%). With that said, residents in North York are the most
likely to walk around in a mall more than residents in any other district.
• Half of Torontonians who go for walks (56%) say they walk alone (up significantly by 11 points from 45% in 2007). Those
most likely to walk alone are those living on their own, over the age of 54, those who have lived at their current location for
over 10 years, have a visual impairment, and are a retiree. On the other hand, those walking with someone else such as a
friend or with family are most likely to be under the age of 55, living with children and/or a partner/spouse/roommate, own
a vehicle, and have been living in their current location less than 10 years.
Unaided Mentions
QA8. Earlier you said you go for walks, but not o get somewhere in particular. Where do you take your walks? Base: Those who go for walks
who provided a valid response: (n=816);
QA9. When you walk do you usually walk…..Base: Those who go for walks who provided a valid response 2012 (n=816).
26
Attitudes Towards
Walking
27
Motivations for Walking Often
• Among those Torontonians who walk often, half choose to walk for exercise or health reasons (48% combined). Onequarter (25%) choose to walk because it is practical and convenient, while slightly fewer walk because it is a low cost form
of transportation (21%).
Motivations for Walking (Unaided)
* Responses of 1% or less not shown here.
QA10a. In general, why do you choose to walk to get to places as opposed to other forms of transportation?
Base: Walks often to destination: (n=302).
28
Motivations for Leisurely Walking
• Among those Torontonians who go for leisure walks, most do so for exercise or other health reasons (61%). Other reasons
for taking a leisurely walk include to get some fresh air (22%), or for fun (13%), or to walk a dog (11%).
• Torontonians between the ages of 18 and 34 are statistically significantly less likely to walk for exercise (39%), compared to
other age groups (52% among those 35-54; 59% among those 55-64; 68% among those 65-74 and 61% among those 75
years of age or older).
Motivations of Leisurely Walking (Unaided)
*Responses of 2% or less not shown here.
QA10b. You previously mentioned that you go for walks, but not to get somewhere in particular sometimes. In general, why do you go for
these types of walks? Base: Go for walks, but not to get somewhere in particular: (n=816).
29
Perceived Benefits of Walking (Among Those Who Do Not Walk as Primary
Means of Transportation)
• Among those Torontonians who do not walk as a primary means of transportation, most see exercise (60%) and health
(43%) as the primary benefits of walking. One-in-five (23%) mention going outside to get fresh air or enjoy the weather as a
benefit.
Perceived Benefits of Walking (Unaided)
*Responses of 2% or less not shown here
QA10c. What are the benefits of walking?
Base: Do not walk to any destination as primary means of transportation: (n=698).
30
Barriers Attributed for Not Walking as a Primary Mode of Transportation
• Among Torontonians who do not walk as their main mode of transportation to any specified destination, lack of time
(37%) is cited most often as the reason why they do not walk, followed by distance (16%) and the feeling that they already
walk often to other destinations (14%).
Barriers Attributed For Not Walking More Often (Unaided)
*Responses of 2% or less not shown here
QA10d. And, why would you say that you don’t walk more often? (Probe for multiple mentions)
Base: Do not walk often to destination (n=698).
31
Reported Walking Time from Home to Select Destinations
• On average, Torontonians report to have the shortest walk to their nearest convenience store (6 minutes) or restaurant (10
minutes) and the longest walk to their nearest library (16 minutes) or nearest community centre (17 minutes).
• The reported time it takes for residents of Old Toronto and East York to walk to nearly all destinations is statistically
significantly shorter compared to residents of Etobicoke and York.
Walking Time from Home to Destination (in Minutes)
Average Walking
Time in Minutes
QA11. How close is each of the following to your home? Is it a walking distance of…
Base: All respondents (n=1000); 2007 (n=1001).
2012
2007
17
16.6
16
15
12.5
12.4
11.4
11.8
10.2
10.5
6
6
*Responses of 2% or less not shown here
Times reported by respondents may include estimated walking times.
32
Walking Time from Home to Nearest Community Centre
33
Walking Time from Home to Nearest Library
34
Walking Time from Home to Nearest Supermarket/Grocer
35
Walking Time from Home to Nearest Park or Trail
36
Walking Time from Home to Nearest Restaurant
37
Walking Time from Home to Nearest Convenience Store
38
Prevalence of Reported Sidewalks in Neighbourhood
• Six-in-ten residents (59%) say that ‘all’ of the streets in their neighbourhood have sidewalks, while 33% say that ‘most’ of
the streets in their neighbourhood have sidewalks.
• Residents in Old Toronto and East York (74%) are statistically significantly more likely to say that all the streets in their
neighbourhood have sidewalks, compared to residents in other districts.
• Among those who indicate that they only have a few (6%) or no (2%) sidewalks in their neighbourhood, about six-in-ten
(62%) say that they do not want more sidewalks in their neighbourhood.
Recall of Streets with Sidewalks
Expectation for More Sidewalks
QA12. How many of the streets in your neighbourhood have sidewalks? Base: All respondents (n= 1000). QA13. Would you like to have more
sidewalks in your neighbourhood? Base: Those who have few or no sidewalks in their neighbourhood (n=410).
39
Prevalence of Reported Sidewalks in Neighbourhood
Streets in Neighbourhood
with reported Sidewalks
40
Walkability of Neighbourhood
• The vast majority (77%) of Toronto residents say that their neighbourhood is ‘very walkable’ – a statistically significant
increase from 74% in 2007. Overall, almost all (95%) residents say that their neighbourhood is ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’
walkable.
• Residents in Old Toronto and East York are statistically significantly more likely to say that their neighbourhood is walkable
(97%) compared to those living in North York (92%).
• On average, residents who find their neighborhoods ‘very’ walkable have sidewalks on all neighbourhood streets, have no
physical limitations, feel comfortable walking, at night and have at minimum as some university education.
• Residents who indicate that it takes less time for them to walk to a non-utilitarian destination (such as a destination other
than for work or school) are statistically significantly more likely to rate their neighbourhood as ‘very walkable’ compared to
‘somewhat walkable’.
How walkable is your Neighbourhood?
Very/Somewhat
Walkable
95%
94%
*Responses of 2% or less not shown here
QB1. How walkable would you say your local neighbourhood is? Would you say it’s…
Base: All respondents (n=1000); 2007 (n=1001).
41
What Makes a Walkable Neighbourhood?
• Three-in-ten (32%) Torontonians say that the amount or quality of the sidewalks is what makes their neighbourhood
walkable, followed by two-in-ten (20%) who say safety (in general).
What Makes a Walkable Neighbourhood? (Unaided)
*Responses of 1% or less not shown here
QB2. Why do you say your neighbourhood is
Base: Respondents who said walkable or not walkable 2012 (n=990), 2007 (n=980).
42
Encouraging Residents to Walk More Often
• Similarly to in 2007, Torontonians had difficulty pin pointing what the City could do to encourage residents to walk more
often in the City as three-in-ten (31%) said they ‘didn’t know’ while 20% said ‘nothing’.
• Among those residents that could provide advice, more policing to reduce crime (6%) and better pedestrian lighting (5%)
we mentioned most often.
• Winter sidewalk snow removal was not mentioned by respondents as something the City could do to encourage them
more often (on an unaided basis).
How to Encourage Walking (Unaided)
Responses of 2% or less not shown here
QB3. What could the City of Toronto do to encourage you to walk more? (Respondent allowed to provide multiple mentions)
Base: All respondents (n=1000); 2007 (n=1001).
43
Walking at Night
• Nearly half (45%) of Torontonians say that they are ‘very comfortable’ walking at night while 79% they are ‘very’ or
‘somewhat comfortable’ – a statistically significant improvement from 2007.
Walking at Night
Very/Somewhat
Comfortable
79%
75%
QB4. How comfortable are you walking in your neighbourhood at night?
Base: All respondents 2012 (n=1000); 2007 (n=1001).
44
Walking at Night by Demographics
• Those residents the most likely to be ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ comfortable walking at night include men (87%), residents of
Old Toronto and East York (86%), and residents under the age of 65.
Gender
Male
Female
Old Toronto/
East York
Etobicoke/
York
North York
Scarborough
A
B
A
B
C
D
(n=1000)
(n=448)
(n=552)
(n=300)
(n=220)
(n=240)
(n=240)
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
79
87 B
72
86 BCD
77
74
76
Total
Very/ Somewhat
comfortable walking at
night
District
Age
Very/ Somewhat comfortable
walking at night
QB4. How comfortable are you walking in your neighbourhood at night?
Base: All respondents 2012 (n=1000).
18-34
35-54
55-64
65+
65-74
75+
C
D
E
F
G
H
(n=240)
(n=370)
(n=168)
(n=182)
(n=107)
(n=75)
%
%
%
%
%
%
82 FGH
83 FGH
78 FH
65
71
57
45
Reasons for Feeling Uncomfortable at Night
• Among those Torontonians who feel ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ uncomfortable walking at night, dark and limited lighting (19%),
a high crime rate (11%), and intimidating individuals (11%) are mentioned most often as reasons for feeling uncomfortable
on an unaided basis.
• These results echo the same safety concerns that were mentioned in 2007.
Reasons for Feeling Uncomfortable at Night (Unaided)
*Responses of 1% or less not shown here
QB5. Why do you feel uncomfortable walking in your neighbourhood at night?
Base: Those who feel uncomfortable walking in their neighbourhood at night 2012 (n=210).
46
Aided Awareness of City of Toronto Walking Programs
• Toronto residents are most likely to recall Discovery Walks (34%) and Toronto Walking Tours (33%) as walking initiatives
and programs in the City of Toronto on an aided basis. In comparison, awareness of other City walking programs and
services are considerably lower.
Awareness of City of Toronto Walking Programs and Services (Aided)
* Where it appears that 2007 figures are missing, are
results of 0% which were not included.
QC1. Are you aware of any of the following walking initiatives and programs in the City of Toronto?
Base: All Respondents 2012 (n=1000); 2007 random select ion of half sample (n=448).
47
Importance and
Satisfaction with
Pedestrian Services
&
Gap Analysis
48
Importance of Pedestrian Services
• On an aided basis, residents are most likely to cite winter sidewalk snow removal (86% indicate very important), lighting
on pedestrian walkways and paths (78%), and sidewalk maintenance and report (78%) as the most important City services
in relation to walkability.
• Women and residents of Old Toronto are the most likely to highlight the importance of lighting on walkways.
Importance of Services
Very/Somewhat
Important
2012
97%
97%
97%
92%
92%
86%
93%
84%
82%
89%
77%
61%
60%
Data labels for results less than 3% not shown here to enhance chart visibility
QD1. Next, I would like you to rate how important the following City of Toronto services are as they relate to walkability. How about...
Base: All respondents 2012 (n=1000).
49
Importance of Pedestrian Services by Age
• Residents 75 years of age and older are statistically significantly more likely to cite the importance of the
convenience of benches (89%), compared to residents in other age groups (76% among those 18-54; 78% among
those 55-64; and 79% among those 65-74).
• While, residents 75 years of age and older are statistically significantly less likely to highly rate the importance of
recreational trails, compared to residents of any other age (92% among those 18-34; 91% among those 35-54; 87%
among those 55-64 and 91% among 65-74 year olds).
• Younger and older residents are statistically significantly more likely to mention the importance of transit shelters
compared to middle-aged residents (85% among those 18-34, 78% among those 35-54; 80% among those 55-64;
88% among those 65-74 and 91% among those 75 years of age and older).
Pedestrian Services
Age
Total
18-34
35-54
55-64
65+
65-74
75+
C
D
E
F
G
H
(n=1000)
(n=240)
(n=370)
(n=168)
(n=182)
(n=107)
(n=75)
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Recreational trails
89
92 FG
91 FG
87G
82
91 G
70
Number of transit shelters
82
85 D
78
80
89 DE
88 D
91 D
Convenience of benches
77
76
76
78
83
79
89 CDE
QD1. Next, I would like you to rate how important the following City of Toronto services are as they relate to walkability. How about...
Base: All respondents 2012 (n=1000).
50
Importance of Services by City District
• Scarborough residents are statistically significantly more likely to rate transit shelters as ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’
important, compared to residents in other districts. Scarborough residents are also significantly more likely to rate
highly the importance of convenient benches (82%), compared to Old Toronto and East York residents (73%).
• Etobicoke and York (67%) and Scarborough (66%) residents are statistically significantly more likely to rate walking
information higher in importance compared to residents in Old Toronto and East York (56%). Similarly, residents from
these districts rate the importance of on-street signage statistically significantly more important than North York
residents (80%).
Pedestrian Services
District
Total
Old Toronto/ East York Etobicoke/ York
North York
Scarborough
A
B
C
D
(n=1000)
(n=300)
(n=220)
(n=240)
(n=240)
Winter sidewalk snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance/repair
Lighting on pedestrian walkways and paths
Pedestrian countdown timers at intersections
%
97
96
96
93
%
97
97
98C
92
%
96
96
96
95
%
96
97
94
92
%
97
95
97
92
Sidewalk space
92
94
94
91
90
Adequate crossing times at intersections
Recreational trails
Number of intersections with audible signals for
the visually impaired
On-street signage
Number of transit shelters
Convenience of benches
Walking information
Walking maps
92
89
90
89
94
89
91
89
93
90
86
86
86
84
90
84
82
77
61
60
84
79
73
56
58
87C
82
78
67A
63
80
80
78
60
57
87C
89ABC
82 A
66 A
63
Responses include very or somewhat important.
QD1. Next, I would like you to rate how important the following City of Toronto services are as they relate to walkability. How about...
Base: All respondents (n=1000).
51
Satisfaction of Pedestrian Services
• Torontonians are statistically significantly more likely to be more satisfied with a number of City of Toronto services in
2012, compared to 2007. Namely, satisfaction has significantly improved for pedestrian countdown timers (86%, up 11
points), adequate crossing times at intersections (83%, up 7 points), the number of transit shelters (66%, up 6 points),
winter sidewalk snow removal (62%, up 8 points), the convenience of benches (59%, up 9 points), and number of
intersections with audible signals (57%, up 9 points).
Satisfaction
Very/Somewhat
Satisfied
2012
2007
86%
75%
83%
76%
82%
n/a
77%
n/a
72%
75%
72%
70%
70%
68%
66%
60%
62%
54%
59%
50%
57%
48%
42%
37%
38%
36%
Data labels for results less than 2% not shown here to enhance chart visibility
QD2. Now, please tell me how satisfied you are with each of the following City of Toronto services that relate to walkability. How about...
Base: All Respondents 2012 (n=1000); Random selection of half of the sample who provided a valid response 2007 (n=558).
52
Satisfaction with Pedestrian Services: by Age
• Residents who are 75 years of age and older are statistically significantly more satisfied with on-street signage
(89%), compared to those 35-54 (74%) years old and those 55-64 years of age (74%). This older age group is also
statistically significantly more satisfied with walking information provided by the City (60%), compared to
residents in other age groups. Satisfaction levels for recreational trails are statistically lower among residents 75
years and older (56%), compared to those between the ages of 18-34 (76%) and those between the ages of 35-54
(69%).
Pedestrian Services
Age
Total
18-34
35-54
55-64
65+
65-74
75+
C
D
E
F
G
H
(n=1000)
(n=240)
(n=370)
(n=168)
(n=182)
(n=107)
(n=75)
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
Recreational trails
70
76 EFGH
69 G
65
64
69
56
On-street signage
78
80
74
74
83 D
79
89 DE
Walking information
42
45 G
39
36
42
30
60 CDEF
Responses include very or somewhat satisfied.
QD2. Now, please tell me how satisfied you are with each of the following City of Toronto services that relate to walkability. How about...
Base: All Respondents 2012 (n=1000); Random selection of half of the sample who provided a valid response 2007 (n=558).
53
Satisfaction of Services: City District
• Residents in Old Toronto and East York (85%) are statistically significantly more satisfied with adequate crossing times
than Etobicoke and York (77%) residents. While, Etobicoke and York (63%) residents are statistically significantly less
satisfied with lighting on pedestrian walkways and paths compared to residents in other districts.
• North York residents are statistically significantly more satisfied with the number of transit shelters (73%) compared
to Old Toronto and East York (61%) residents. Old Toronto and East York residents are statistically significantly less
satisfied with sidewalk snow removal (55%) and the convenience of benches (50%) compared to residents in other
districts. Etobicoke and York (46%) and Scarborough residents (47%) are statistically significantly more satisfied with
walking information compared to residents in Old Toronto and East York (36%).
District
Pedestrian Services
Total
Old Toronto/ East
Etobicoke/ York
York
North York
Scarborough
A
B
C
D
(n=1000)
(n=300)
(n=220)
(n=240)
(n=240)
%
%
%
%
%
Pedestrian countdown timers at intersections
86
89
83
88
84
Adequate crossing times at intersections
Sidewalk space
On-street signage
Sidewalk maintenance/repair
Lighting on pedestrian walkways and paths
Recreational trails
Number of transit shelters
Winter sidewalk snow removal
Convenience of benches
Number of intersections with audible signals for the
visually impaired
Walking information
Walking maps
83
82
77
72
72
70
66
62
59
85 B
81
74
68
76 B
68
61
55
50
77
82
78
74
63
73
65
66 A
62 A
82
83
78
74
75 B
70
73 A
66 A
64 A
84
85
81
76 A
73 B
70
66
66 A
65 A
57
54
59
61
57
42
38
36
34
46 A
40
43
41
47 A
40
QD2. Now, please tell me how satisfied you are with each of the following City of Toronto services that relate to walkability. How about...
Base: All Respondents 2012 (n=1000); Random selection of half of the sample who provided a valid response 2007 (n=558).
54
Using the Gap Analysis
 Importance scores are plotted horizontally across the bottom of the chart (along
the X-axis). Satisfaction scores are plotted vertically (along the Y-axis).
 Typically, it is most advantageous to focus on improving services that are of high
importance to residents, but where satisfaction is relatively low. However, in
some circumstances, it can also make sense to focus on lower importance items
if you can make a big difference.
 The graph on the following slide identifies four areas, including:
 Primary Areas for Improvement – services that are considered very important to
residents, but have low satisfaction scores. The services that fall within this area need
the most attention from the City of Toronto to increase the satisfaction levels.
 Primary Areas for Maintenance – services of relatively high importance and current
satisfaction is good. The focus here is on maintaining the current level of service.
 Secondary Areas for Maintenance – services of relatively less importance and high
satisfaction level. Similarly, the focus here is to maintain the current levels of
satisfaction.
 Areas for enhancement – services with lower satisfaction scores, but are considered
relatively less important to residents. The focus here is on at least maintaining, and
where feasible, improving these services to increase satisfaction.
55
Gap Analysis: Importance vs. Satisfaction with City Services
High
Secondary Areas for Maintenance
Primary Areas for Maintenance
Satisfaction
Low
Areas for Enhancement
Importance
Primary Areas for Improvement
* For the purposes of the gap analysis satisfaction levels appear much lower plotted than they actually are. See
previous slides for more detailed figures on satisfaction scores.
High
56
Understanding the Gap Analysis
Primary areas for improvement are:
 Winter sidewalk snow removal
 Lighting on pedestrian walkways
 Sidewalk maintenance
 Recreational Trails
These services are the primary areas for improvement, meaning they are those that residents gave a high
importance ranking and low satisfaction ranking.
 Given the climate of Toronto and population density, the service needing the most attention is winter
sidewalk snow removal. Residents across all districts of the city unanimously agree that sidewalk snow
removal is the most important pedestrian service, which can improve the walkability of the City. The City
is making progress in improving this important service already as residents are statistically significantly
more likely to be satisfied with winter snow removal in 2012, compared to 2007 (62%, up 8 points).
 The other services which should be a primary focus for the City are improving the lighting on pedestrian
walkways and sidewalk maintenance. There has been no statistically significant improvement in
satisfaction for either service since 2007.
57
Understanding the Gap Analysis
Primary Areas for Maintenance are:
 Sidewalk space
 Adequate crossing time at intersections
 Pedestrian countdown times at intersections
These services are areas needing maintenance, meaning residents gave the services a high importance
ranking and relatively high satisfaction ranking. A particular emphasis should be placed on maintaining
these services as they are of high importance with strong (and increased) satisfaction levels.
 Satisfaction levels have increased statistically significantly increased for both pedestrian countdown
timers at intersections (86%, up 11 points) and the adequacy of crossing times at intersections (83%, up
7 points). Satisfaction levels for countdown timers and time allotted to cross an intersection are
statistically significantly higher among residents in Old Toronto/East York compared to any other district.
 It could be satisfaction levels towards these services are highly correlated meaning that increasing
satisfaction levels of one service will in turn increase satisfaction levels in the other.
58
Appendix:
Demographics
59
Education
Number of Vehicles
None
One
Two
Three or more
%
21
45
25
9
Number of People in Household
One
Two
Three
Four
Five or More
Don’t know/Prefer not to say
Public/elementary (Grade 1-8)
Some high school (12 or 13)
Graduated high school
Some vocational/technical/college/CEGEP
Completed
vocational/technical/college/CEGEP
Some university
Graduated university
Post graduate
Don’t know/Prefer not to say
Children under 17 in Household
%
23
29
18
18
11
0
Employment Status
%
2
6
14
4
16
7
31
20
0
%
Working on your own business within your home
Working on your own business outside of your
home
Working on an employer’s business full-time
Working on an employer’s business part-time
Currently unemployed
Student
Retired
Homemaker
Don’t know/Prefer not to say
7
8
42
9
8
8
14
3
1
Do you Have…
Physical limitations
Yes, myself
Yes, someone in my household
No one in the household
Don’t know/Prefer not to say
Visually impaired
Yes, myself
Yes, someone in my household
No one in the household
Don’t know/Prefer not to say
%
10
3
86
1
%
6
2
92
1
60
Other Languages
Length at Current Location
Languages
English
French
Another language
%
98
17
32
Don’t know/Prefer not to say
0
%
Less than 1 year
1 to just under 2 years
2 to just under 5 years
5 to just under 10 years
10 to just under 20 years
20 years or more
Don’t know/Prefer not to say
Income
Under $20,000
$20,000 to under $40,000
$40,000 to under $60,000
$60,000 to under $80,000
$80,000 to under $100,000
$100,000 to under $120,000
$120,000 to under $140,000
$140,000 or more
(DK/NS)
%
9
12
15
12
11
7
6
14
13
9
8
21
22
21
19
0
Arabic
Cantonese
Chinese (other than Cantonese or
Mandarin)
Dutch
Farsi
German
Greek
Hindi
Hungarian
Italian
Japanese
Mandarin
Polish
Portuguese
Punjabi
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Spanish
Swahili
Tagalog
Tamil
Ukrainian
Urdu
Other (specify)
(DK/NS)
%
5
4
4
1
3
6
5
6
1
10
2
7
3
6
2
2
5
3
12
1
4
3
4
4
10
2
61
Walking Habits and Attitudes Report
City of Toronto
April 2013
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may not be disclosed or reproduced without the prior written consent of Ipsos.