wandelbaar

Wandelbaar is a Dutch adjective meaning walkable or suitable for walking. It is used to describe streets, routes, and areas where pedestrians can travel safely and comfortably on foot. The term derives from wandel, meaning to walk, and the suffix -baar, indicating capability or suitability.

In urban planning and real estate, wandelbaar describes the walkability of a neighborhood or street network. A wandelbare area typically features an interconnected sidewalk network, pedestrian-friendly crossings, adequate lighting, traffic calming, and a mix of destinations within a short walking distance, such as shops, schools, parks, and public transport stops. The concept is linked to livability, sustainability, and public health, as higher walkability is often associated with reduced car use and increased opportunities for physical activity.

Measurement and assessment of wandelbaarheid are usually referred to as walkability. Various methods exist, including scoring systems and local studies that evaluate factors like housing density, land-use mix, street connectivity, sidewalk quality, safety, and access to amenities. There is no single universal standard, and municipalities may apply different criteria.

Because of its practical focus, wandelbaar is commonly used in planning documents, real estate brochures, and media discussions in Dutch-speaking regions to indicate how pedestrian-friendly a place is. The term is often used in tandem with broader conversations about urban vitality, accessibility, and multimodal transportation.