The impact of residential non-motorized space design on active travel mode: A case study of Xi'an

Urban non-motorized space is an indispensable factor for people's daily life and work. Its design can affect people′s body health and their active travel behavior. Using smartphone app Daynamica, a self administered survey was conducted in Xi'an, China. Environment audit was used to collect data of urban street around the respondent's residential locations as well. After data cleaning, 286 respondents were used in this study. Using a binary logistic regression model, the impact of the residential non-motorized space design factors and other built environment factors were analyzed. The results show that completeness of public service facilities, the higher level of greening, and the connectivity of non-motorized space have significant impacts on walking and cycling behavior. The width of motor roads below 21 meters has a significant positive effect on active travel behavior; the road network density and distance from the city center are significantly positively related to active commute behavior. Based on all of the above findings, suggestions of planning strategies are put forward.