Rohnert Park Gets Low Scores for Walkability

Rohnert Park was recently called "somewhat walkable" by a website called Walk Score — which evaluates neighborhoods' and cities' walkability and transportation systems to make it easier for people to choose where they want to live.

Cities throughout the country were recently rated. New York scored the highest with a perfect rating of 100 and San Francisco came in second, with a 92, or a "walker's paradise." Rohnert Park came in at 68.

Other area cities vary. Sebastopol also got a 100; Petaluma clocked in at 93; Windsor scored an 88; Santa Rosa at 91, Cotati at 77 and Napa at 42. Sonoma didn't make the list.

The measurements are based on the proximity to neighborhood services such as libraries, schools, grocery stores and parks. The closer these amenities are, the higher the score. The score doesn't take into account the quality of the sidewalks, streets and trails. 

In Rohnert Park, Walk Score cited businesses such as Tonayan Mexican Restaurant, Mocha Mamas, the Rohnert Park-Cotati Regional Library, Raley's, Sonoma Valley Bagel, Oliver's and Spreckels Performing Arts Center as making the city walkable. 

What do you think? While it's easy to walk from Raley's to the library, walking from Oliver's to Spreckels is more of a trek. 

The city has long been criticized for , and for its dependence on cars for mobility. And while the future may look different, with the station being located in the center of town and the property, Rohnert Park is not known for being pedestrian-friendly.

Here's Walk Score's criteria:

• A center: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it's a main street or a public space.
• People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.
• Mixed income, mixed use: Affordable housing located near businesses.
• Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.
• Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to the back.
• Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.
• Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.