How many pedestrians does it take to support a shop? Jake Desyllas' plenary presentation at the Walk21 Cities For People 2004 conference provided evidence for one of the key economic arguments in support of pedestrian movement strategies: walking is vital to the development and sustainability of the local economy, particularly retail. Foot traffic is a crucial economic resource, and research suggests that there are minimum pedestrian flows under which local shops and facilities cannot be supported. In the presentation, land use data and pedestrian flow counts from ISP's research in London were used to identify the 'tipping points' or minimum walking levels needed for local retail uses to survive.

This evidence can be used to benchmark the need and value of better walking environments. It can show how much pedestrian activity is required in our streets in order for local shops and facilities to become viable. It can also show how urban designs and transport policies which hinder pedestrian movement (such as the development of major traffic routes which sever local connections) can actually destroy local economic activity by making small scale retail unviable.

The findings of the paper will be published later this year.