Table 2 Standardized factor loadings in the final models of the modified NEWS-A for seniors and original NEWS-A among NHS participants in California, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, 2008

Access to destinations factor

Stores within easy walking distance

.81

.81

Many places within easy walking distance

.81

.82

Easy to walk to a transit stop

.65

.65

Street connectivity factor

Short distance between intersections

.53

.52

Many alternative routes

.61

.64

Straight streets, not curvy

.51

N/A

Infrastructure for walking factor

Sidewalks on most streets

.88

.92

Cars divide sidewalk and traffic

.71

.71

Grass/dirt strip divides sidewalk and traffic

.64

.64

Streets are well lit at night

.55

.54

Crosswalks have beeps

.31

N/A

Pedestrian signals give time to cross

.51

N/A

Curb cuts or ramps

.76

N/A

Aesthetics factor

Trees along the streets

.41

.41

Interesting things to look at

.79

.79

Attractive natural sights, views

.86

.86

Attractive buildings, homes

.68

.68

Traffic safety factor

Traffic makes it difficult to walk

.81

.76

Traffic speed is usually slow

.60

.64

Most drivers exceed the speed limit

.57

.60

Safe to walk in or along street

.62

N/A

Personal safety factor

High crime rate

.78

.82

Crime makes it unsafe to walk during day

.68

.66

Crime makes it unsafe to walk during night

.77

.77

Unsafe alleys between buildings

.55

N/A

Loitering teenagers make it unsafe to walk

.63

N/A

Other items not in a factor

Few cul-de-sacs

Not included

Not included

Walkers and bikers easily seen

Not included

Not included

Parking is difficult in shopping areas

Not included

Not included

Hilly streets

Not included

Not included

Major barriers to walking

Not included

Not included

Bicycle lanes or trails

Not included

N/A

Islands in the middle of the road

Not included

N/A

Have to cross busy streets to get to shops

Not included

N/A

Cars crossing sidewalks

Not included

N/A

Stray or loose dogs

Not included

N/A