Place attachment and walkability and their associations with walking in urban neighbourhoods

Place attachment has yet to be explored in relation to objectively measured neighbourhood walkability and walking. We aimed to estimate the associations between place identity (PI) and place dependence (PD) and walking for recreation (WR) and transportation (WT) among urban adults, and to assess the modifying role of neighbourhood walkability. We analyzed cross-sectional data from 2006 Calgary adults (2007-2008), including PI, PD, and walking. Neighbourhood walkability was determined via street pattern. Generalized linear models assessed associations (odds ratios [OR] and incidence rate ratios [IRR]) and interactions between place attachment, walkability, and walking. PI was lower in curvilinear versus warped grid neighbourhoods. PD was associated (p < 0.05) with sufficient WT (≥ 150 min/week) in curvilinear (OR 1.92) and grid (OR 1.62) neighbourhoods. PI was associated with sufficient WR (ORs 1.58-1.82) and more frequent WT and WR (IRRs 1.17-1.41). Findings highlight nuanced relationships between the built environment, place attachment, and walking.