Route 104 Corridor Trail Feasibility Study - Genesee Transportation ...

INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
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Route 104 Corridor Trail Feasibility Study
C. CIRCULATION AND TRANSPORTATION
The following section addresses pedestrian access, sidewalks, trails, roadways, intersections, and mass transit.
1. Pedestrian Access
Pedestrian access can be measured by Walk Score, an online tool that allows users to determine the walkability of a
certain address based on the number of pedestrian generators in close proximity to that address. Walk Score
calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby pedestrian destinations such as stores, restaurants,
schools, parks, etc.
Table 4.5. Walk Score Scale
Walk Score Description Explanation
90–100 Walkers' Paradise Daily errands do not require a car.
70–89 Very Walkable Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
50–69 Somewhat Walkable Some amenities within walking distance.
25–49 Car-Dependent A few amenities within walking distance.
0–24 Car-Dependent (Driving Only) Almost all errands require a car.
Generally, the tool measures how easy it is to live without the use of an automobile, not how attractive the area is for
walking. There are a number of factors, such as street design and safety, which contribute to walkability but are
difficult to measure with an algorithm.
The Walk Score algorithm awards points based on the distance to the closest amenity in each category. Categories
include: transit, grocery stores, restaurants, schools, coffee shops, libraries, parks, bookstores, drug stores, hardware
stores, bars, movie theaters, fitness, and clothing & music stores. If the closest amenity in a category is within .25
miles, the system assigns the maximum number of points. The number of points declines as the distance
approaches 1 mile, and no points are awarded for amenities further than 1 mile. Each category is weighted equally
and the points are summed and normalized to yield a score from 0 to 100. The number of nearby amenities is the
leading predictor of whether people walk.
Walk Score was used to evaluate the walkability of various points along the Route 104 Corridor. The following Walk
Scores were obtained in November 2010.
Table 4.6. Walk Score Analysis Within the Study Area
Location Score Walk Score Description
Route 104 and Salt Road, Webster 9 Driving Only
Route 104 and Basket Road, Webster 22 Driving Only
Route 104 and County Line Road, Webster 15 Driving Only
Route 104 and Lakeside Road, Ontario 14 Driving Only
Route 104 and Slocum Road, Ontario 23 Driving Only
Route 104 and Ontario Center Road, Ontario 31 Car Dependent
Route 104 and Knickerbocker Road, Ontario 58 Somewhat Walkable
Route 104 and Furnace Road, Ontario 62 Somewhat Walkable
Route 104 and Fisher Road, Ontario 2 Driving Only
Prepared for GTC and the Towns of Ontario, Sodus, Webster, and Williamson, NY Page 25