Our reader Ed always sends me links to cool sites, and walkscore is no exception. It’s a Google Maps mashup site that calculates the walkability (using a 0-100 scoring system) of a neighborhood, based on how many services are available within a walkable distance. Walkscore does not factor in the aesthetic appeal of a neighborhood, just how easy it would be to maintain a car-free lifestyle. Currently, the site claims to have over 40 US cities (in fact, I was able to get a walkscore for here in Morgantown, so it’s probably pretty broad coverage. Ed pointed out that it would be a great tool for checking out conference venues to see what’s around, and I think that’s a great idea. In fact, I’m already checking out downtown Chicago for a conference in November.

Here’s a great example for the San Diego Convention Center