| The thesis revealed the built environment does affect the levels of physical activity, specifically walking. Three components of the built environment, urban design, land use and transportation systems each, in their own way can effect the level of physical activity. Incomplete, disconnected or poorly maintained sidewalk networks discourage walking. Land uses, such as retail, entertainment, and commercial office separated from residential land uses increases the distance between origin and destination. Neighborhoods with mixed use zoning encourages walking, particularly for utilitarian purposes. Within the transportation system, connectivity of the road and street network plays a key role in promoting walking and physical activity. A road and street network with short blocks, no cul de sacs, and frequent four-way intersections are critical in reducing the travel distance for pedestrians. Speed and volume of traffic is another barrier to walking. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
