Increasing physical activity with sticky community design

We now are beginning to have an answer to the question--if we build it, will they come? Four elements of community design, from urban to rural built environments, characterize settings where residents engage in more active transportation, such as walking, bicycling, and transit use. They are a proximate mix of land uses; a connected network of pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities; functional and inviting site designs; and safety and access for users of all ages, abilities, and incomes. Five policy approaches show promise in helping communities achieve these design elements: Master planning and zoning ordinances that account for health outcomes; complete streets policies; construction of transportation-oriented trail networks; transportation demand management policies to support transit and bicycle use; and school Safe Routes and shared-use policies.