Piloting a citizen science approach to auditing rural walkability in Tasmania

Background

People living in ‘walkable’ areas are more active, but common approaches to assessing walkability using audit tools and geospatial data have limitations in rural areas. This project explored the feasibility, acceptability and benefits of using a citizen science approach to audit walkability in rural communities.

Methods

Using a citizen science approach, community members in rural towns completed audit tools and photographs to capture walkability. Researchers collated data and facilitated workshops with community members to identify priorities for action. The feasibility of applying a citizen science approach was evaluated through surveys and interviews with citizen scientists and project team members.

Results

Three rural Australian towns (population 300; 850; 2890) were included, with a total of 10 community members (1–6 per town) completing audits and 13 (4–9 per town) attending workshops. It was feasible for citizen scientists to complete audits to identify environmental and physical attributes and impediments to walking. It was less feasible for citizen scientists to audit local policies and programs. Workshops enabled a broader and deeper understanding of the data, and represent a crucial aspect of the citizen science process. Citizen scientists were motivated by a desire to improve their community. Lack of diversity among citizen scientists, safety and recruitment were limitations.

Conclusion/Discussion

Citizen science was a feasible and acceptable approach for auditing rural walkability, generating a rich and deep understanding of how the built environment impacts walking. Citizen science allows researchers, policy makers and community members to work together to generate data and establish priorities.

So What?

Citizen science has the potential to support the involvement of members of the public in research and decision-making in health promotion. Researchers need to adopt strategies to ensure diversity among citizen scientists as well as consider the support needs of citizen scientists when adopting this approach.