CDC COMMUNITY GUIDE: Environmental and Policy Approaches to Increase Physical Activity: Community-Scale Urban Design Land Use Policies
CDC
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
Community-scale urban design land use policies and practices involve the efforts of urban planners, architects, engineers, developers, and public health professionals to change the physical environment of urban areas of several square miles or more in ways that support physical activity. They include the following.
• Design elements that address:
-Proximity of residential areas to stores, jobs, schools, and recreation areas
-Continuity and connectivity of sidewalks and streets
-Aesthetic and safety aspects of the physical environment
• Policy instruments such as zoning regulations, building codes, other governmental policies, and builders' practices
The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends design and land use policies and practices that support physical activity in urban areas of several square miles or more based on sufficient evidence of effectiveness in facilitating an increase in physical activity.
• Design elements that address:
-Proximity of residential areas to stores, jobs, schools, and recreation areas
-Continuity and connectivity of sidewalks and streets
-Aesthetic and safety aspects of the physical environment
• Policy instruments such as zoning regulations, building codes, other governmental policies, and builders' practices
The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends design and land use policies and practices that support physical activity in urban areas of several square miles or more based on sufficient evidence of effectiveness in facilitating an increase in physical activity.
Impact
Design and land use policies that encourage physical activity in urban areas can help increase overall physical activity in bikers and walkers.
Results / Accomplishments
Results from the Systematic Reviews:
Twelve studies qualified for the review and evaluated a variety of effect measures.
• Most of the studies compared the behavior of residents in automobile-oriented (or suburban) communities with those in traditional (or urban) communities.
• Overall, the median improvement in some aspect of physical activity (e.g., number of walkers or bicyclists) was 161%.
• Additional benefits that may have been brought about by these interventions included: (1) Improvements in green space; (2) Increased sense of community and decreased isolation; (3) Increased consumer choice for places to live; (4) Reduced crime and stress.
• Increased walking and bicycling on urban streets, although beneficial, also pose the risk of increased injury to pedestrian or cyclist, because of increased exposure to motor vehicles.
Twelve studies qualified for the review and evaluated a variety of effect measures.
• Most of the studies compared the behavior of residents in automobile-oriented (or suburban) communities with those in traditional (or urban) communities.
• Overall, the median improvement in some aspect of physical activity (e.g., number of walkers or bicyclists) was 161%.
• Additional benefits that may have been brought about by these interventions included: (1) Improvements in green space; (2) Increased sense of community and decreased isolation; (3) Increased consumer choice for places to live; (4) Reduced crime and stress.
• Increased walking and bicycling on urban streets, although beneficial, also pose the risk of increased injury to pedestrian or cyclist, because of increased exposure to motor vehicles.
About this Promising Practice
Primary Contact
The Community Guide
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS E69
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/
1600 Clifton Rd, NE
MS E69
Atlanta, GA 30329
(404) 498-1827
communityguide@cdc.gov
https://www.thecommunityguide.org/
Topics
Health / Physical Activity
Environmental Health / Built Environment
Environmental Health / Built Environment
Source
Community Guide Branch Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Location
USA
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens, Adults, Women, Men, Older Adults, Families, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Additional Audience
Communities