Do Pleasant and Safe Neighborhoods Promote Walking and Biking?

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Article Summary

Do Pleasant and Safe Neighborhoods Promote Walking and Biking?

February 2013
Author:
Gina Lovasi, Columbia University
Topic:
Transportation, Pedestrian Facilities, Bike Facilities, Communities, Crime
Population Served:
Adults, Multiple Race/Ethnic Sample
Location by State:
New York
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Summary:

The Challenge: Insufficient physical activity is a persistent public health problem.

Make an impact: Walking or biking to work, school, or to do errands can help people be more physically active, and neighborhood environments can either promote or hinder active transportation.

What the findings are about: This study examined whether neighborhood aesthetics and safety factors were related to the likelihood of active transport in New York City.

Key Findings and Recommendations:
  • People living in neighborhoods with at least one sidewalk café were 10% more likely to walk or bike for transportation than people living in neighborhoods without any sidewalk cafés.
  • Among people who reported any active transportation, a 20% lower frequency of active transportation was reported if they lived in neighborhoods with high homicide rates.
  • Neighborhood aesthetic amenities or homicide prevention may help to promote active transportation.

 

Read the full article: Aesthetic Amenities and Safety Hazards Associated with Walking and Bicycling for Transportation in New York City

Suggested Citations:
Lovasi, G.S., et al. (2013). Aesthetic Amenities and Safety Hazards Associated with Walking and Bicycling for Transportation in New York City. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 45(1Suppl): S76-S85.
 

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