Walking distance to a park

The percentage of the population who live within walking distance to a park: a quarter-mile or less to entrances of smaller sites, such as sitting areas and playgrounds, and half-mile or less to entrances of larger parks. Increased access to green space and open space can contribute to increased levels of physical activity.

Walkability index

A score that summarizes features that promote walking. These include density of residences, intersections, subway stops, and retail area. Higher scores indicate greater walkability. Neighborhoods range from -4.0 to 9.4, with zero as an approximate NYC average. This indicator excludes some factors that may impact access and walkability, like maintenance, ADA access, neighborhood safety, and street trees.

Sidewalk area

Sidewalk area percentage. Sidewalks are important for commuting, businesses, and physical activity. More sidewalk area contributes to a safer pedestrian environment, supports vibrant business districts and can foster social interaction.

Litter basket coverage

Public litter baskets (trash cans). Litter baskets are associated with a decrease in littering. Enclosed, non-wire baskets are generally better than wire baskets. Generally, sanitation supports public health by providing clean, healthy public spaces for people to live, work, and get around.

Unhealthy food access

The ratio of bodegas to supermarkets. This can indicate whether the environment makes accessing unhealthy food easier for residents, as bodegas are less likely to have healthy food options than supermarkets.

Subway station density

Subway stations per square kilometer. Neighborhoods with greater subway access encourage active transportation, which may increase physical activity and overall health of residents. They also tend to have more foot traffic, which attracts businesses and can foster community.

Walking distance to a subway station

The percentage of population within a quarter-mile of a subway station entrance. When more people have convenient access to the transit system, they're more likely to use it. Subway access encourages active transportation, which improves the health of residents.

Bicycle network coverage

Percent of street milage with bike lanes. Bike lanes can improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety, physical activity, and sustainable transportation use.

Citi Bike stations

Biking bridges gaps in existing public transportation systems and is a great way to exercise. Neighborhoods with fewer Citi Bike stations have limited access to this beneficial public resource. Neighborhoods with relatively few docks per station may also have limited access to bikes even if they have many stations. The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) suggests that there should be 28 stations per square mile and one station every 1000 feet.

Average Citi Bike availability

The average number of Citi Bikes available to rent per each area between 7am-7pm. Biking bridges gaps in existing public transportation systems and is a great way to exercise. Neighborhoods with lower Citi Bike availability have limited access to this beneficial public resource.

Tree canopy cover

The percent of a neighborhood that is shaded by trees. Tree shade can lower a neighborhood's temperatures, can make it more comfortable and attractive to walk and stay active.

Vegetative cover

Land covered by trees, grass, or other plants. Vegetative cover reduces temperatures in the immediate area, and may increase air quality.