Promoting ciclovias to diverse communities in st. louis, MO

Background: Obesity continues to increase as a threat to public health, particularly in minority and low-income populations. Environmental factors–including a lack of places to be physically active–are contributors. Ciclovias provide places to be active by closing an area of streets to car traffic and offering opportunities for family physical activity.

Methods: We conducted two focus groups, including a photo sort activity, in a school-based sample to assess knowledge and attitudes about ciclovias as well as to gather ideas for activities and promotion of Open Streets (St. Louis' Ciclovia initiative) to diverse communities.

Results: Participants were largely unaware of Open Streets, but had positive reactions to the notion of doing activities in a street that would normally host heavy car traffic. Using a photo sort task and subsequent discussion, participants showed enthusiasm for physical activity and viewed Open Streets as an opportunity to try activities new to them. They also viewed Open Streets as a social event where they could spend time with family and neighbors, and meet new friends. Some saw Open Streets as a community event that could host farmers' markets, face painting, etc. They had specific suggestions about routing for future events. Discussion: In St. Louis, the diversity of Open Streets participants has not matched that of the overall population. Findings from these focus groups will be useful in planning, routing, and evaluating future Open Streets, and Ciclovias in other cities to increase participation among groups disproportionately affected by the obesity epidemic.