Urban life has long been characterized as “fast-paced,” and a recent study coauthored by scholars from MIT emphasizes this point. The research indicates that the average walking speed in three northeastern U.S. cities—Boston, New York, and Philadelphia—increased by 15% between 1980 and 2010. Concurrently, the number of individuals spending time lingering in public spaces decreased by 14%.
The study utilized advanced machine-learning techniques to analyze video footage from the 1980s, originally recorded by William Whyte, a notable urbanist and social thinker recognized for his insights on public spaces and social behavior. This analysis highlights significant changes in urban dynamics over the past few decades, reflecting a shift towards quicker paces and less social interaction in these metropolitan areas.
These findings raise questions about the implications of such changes on urban life and community engagement, as the increased walking speed may suggest a more hurried lifestyle among city dwellers, while the decline in public gathering points to a potential reduction in communal activities.
