How It Doesn't Work: Known Issues with Walk Score
We'll be the first to admit that Walk Score is just an approximation of walkability. There are a number of factors that contribute to walkability that are not part of our algorithm:
- Street width and block length: Narrow streets slow down traffic. Short blocks make it easier to navigate the grid.
- Safety: How much crime is in the neighborhood? How many traffic accidents are there? Are crosswalks well marked and streets well lit?
- Pedestrian-friendly design: Are there walking paths? Are buildings close to the sidewalk with parking in back? Are sidewalks shaded by trees?
- Topography: Hills can make walking difficult, especially if you're carrying groceries.
- Public transit: Good public transit is important for walkable neighborhoods.
- Freeways and bodies of water: Freeways can divide neighborhoods. Swimming is harder than walking.
- Weather: In some places it's just too hot or cold to walk regularly.
As MarlonBain said, "You should use the Web 3.0 app called going outside and investigating the world for yourself" before deciding whether a neighborhood is walkable!
Incorrect Google Map Results
All of the locations shown on Walk Score come directly from the Google Maps API. Unfortunately, some listings may be missing or out of date. Business owners can go here to update their listings. Google does not provide a way for people to update the business listings in their neighborhood.
We are able to filter out some bad results manually using Google search operators. If you see an incorrect result, please let us know and we will try to remove it from Walk Score.
Other Issues
International Support: We currently support addresses in the United States, Canada, and the U.K. We will be adding support for more countries soon. Email us if you'd like us to add your country. After all, we have a lot to learn from the rest of the world about walkability!
Distance: We are currently using "as the crow flies" distances rather than walking directions. This means if you live across the lake from a destination, we are assuming you will swim. We are investigating using Google Driving Directions to calculate our distances. Hopefully, Google will add Walking Directions in the future!
Read more about what makes a neighborhood walkable. We'd love to hear your feedback. Send us a suggestion!
