Travel distance and mode choice of dog park users in Halifax, NS

Abstract

Dogs are increasingly common in the urban landscape, yet little is known about their spatial and functional patterns. A short survey was conducted to determine: the average travel distance of off-leash dog park users in the Halifax, Canada region; their mode of transit; their reasons for choosing the off-leash park; and whether they accomplish any other tasks on their journey. Results show that off-leash park users travel an average of 5559 m oneway, producing between 431 and 579 kg CO2 per year; however, there is a difference between urban and suburban park users travel habits, with urban users typically walking more and traveling shorter distances than their suburban counterparts. Off-leash capability and proximity are the most common reasons for park choice in Halifax and people are more likely to make the trip to the off-leash park a single destination trip than completing multiple errands.