Introducing the QPED Toolkit: Enhancing Walkability Through Nuanced Data

We are excited to present the QPED Toolkit, a comprehensive guide developed in collaboration between researchers at the University of Arizona and Living Streets Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for healthier communities through safer, more walkable streets. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Physical Activity Policy Research Network (PAPRN+) and the National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC), the QPED Toolkit addresses the need for nuanced data collection in transportation decision-making.

In a world increasingly driven by big data, the QPED Toolkit emphasizes the importance of going "small" with data collection methods to capture crucial nuances and contextual factors in pedestrian environments. Traditional data-gathering methods often overlook resident perspectives, and the Toolkit aims to bridge this gap by offering a flexible and adaptable approach to conducting on-street intercept interviews with people walking in their communities.

This manual serves as a step-by-step guide for setting up, conducting, and analyzing these brief on-street intercept interviews. It includes essential materials such as the QPED On-street Interview Guide, a supplemental On-street Interview Map Module, a script for interviewers, and a data entry template. The Toolkit, along with modifiable tools, is also available at qped.org, empowering communities to tailor QPED to their unique needs and goals. Whether you're a researcher exploring perceptions of walkability or a practitioner prioritizing investment aligned with community goals, the QPED Toolkit is your go-to resource for informed decision-making. Walk with us towards healthier, more walkable communities.