The Challenge: Regular physical activity supports overall health and helps adults maintain a healthy weight. However, the design of our cities, neighborhoods and transportation systems can make it difficult for adults to be physically active. The absence of parks, trails and other recreational facilities also is a barrier to regular physical activity.  This is especially true among residents of low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

Make an Impact: Community environments – including the design of the built environment, availability of public transportation, and access to parks and recreational resources can support walking, biking, and other forms of physical activity.

What the findings are about: This summary reviews research on the connection between the built environment—the man-made surroundings that provide the settings for physical activity—and physical activity levels among adults.