Urban land-use and transportation policies worldwide are struggling to find ways to reduce automobile dependence and encourage the use of more sustainable travel modes such as walking, cycling, and public transportation – collectively referred to as active transport. Recently, the 20-minute neighbourhood concept is advocated as a key urban development strategy in Australia to encourage residents to access most of their daily needs through active transport.

However, little understanding exists about the effectiveness of 20-minute neighbourhoods in promoting active transport. More importantly, if this concept is proven to be effective, policy guidance is currently lacking; beyond some case studies such as in Croydon South, Strathmore, and Sunshine West; on how to plan for a city of 20-minute neighbourhoods. The literature also lacks a methodological framework to guide the selection of location and design characteristics (density, land use pattern) of a 20-minute neighbourhood that fit for a specific context. The present study intends to fill this gap by developing neighbourhood typologies and performing a scenario-based approach to identify the types of 20-minute neighbourhoods that can increase walking propensity.