Central Business Districts are Healthy when People are Healthy
We all know that people are healthier when they can bike or walk to their destinations. But what about those destinations? Is a Central Business District healthier because people can bike or walk to it? You bet!
When people spend less on gasoline they have more money for eating out or shopping.
Studies show that when there is an increase in disposable income, people spend more in restaurants. They are also more likely to buy impulse items or gifts for others.
Calm, low traffic areas are safer so whole families can come downtown.
When the whole family comes downtown, more purchases are made and more money is spent on food.
New businesses are drawn there because the people are drawn there.
Property values rise when new businesses move in. Those new businesses pay taxes and hire workers. Those workers have more money to spend if they work in an area that allows them to actively commute.
Employees of downtown businesses don’t drive out of the area for lunch, errands, or shopping.
Money stays in the Central Business District when downtown employees can walk or bike to get all of their errands done before, during lunch or after their work hours.
There is a sense of community that people seek out and enjoy.
People want to spend time in an area that is calm, comfortable, inviting and easy to get to. Central Business Districts that support active transportation enjoy a win-win situation for both the consumer and the business owner.
