This study investigates the relationship between neighborhood greenspace, street activity, and crime rates in Chicago and New York City. Using cell phone mobility data to quantify street activity and park visits, the researchers found negative associations between both factors and crime rates, even after controlling for socio-demographic factors. Each factor explained unique variance, suggesting multiple pathways for their influence. Tree canopy showed a smaller association and was only significant in Chicago. Exploratory directed acyclic graph modeling further supported separate direct paths from park visits and street activity to crime.

Kathryn E. Schertz, James Saxon, Carlos Cardenas-Iniguez, Luís M. A. Bettencourt, Yi Ding, Henry Hoffmann, Marc G. Berman