The purpose of this study is to explore the role of residential location choice and travel preferences in explaining the observed link between the built environment and travel behavior. Of key interest is the question of the degree to which travel preferences, in particular the preference to walk or ride transit rather than drive, influences the long-term choice of residential location and thus the characteristics of the built environment that surrounds the resident and that influences daily choices about travel. In addition, the study looks at the link between the built environment and physical activity within the neighborhood for both children and adults. The unique contribution of this study is its analysis of the change in travel behavior and physical activity associated with a move form one neighborhood to another. If the study finds a connection between changes in the built environment and changes in travel behavior and physical activity, it will strengthen the evidence base used to support recommendations for changes in the policies that shape the built environment in order to promote physical activity.
