Work

Local Ordinances That Promote Physical Activity: A Survey of Municipal Policies

Year: 2003

Type: article

Abstract: In this Utah-based study, we sought to identify the types of municipal employees responsible for physical activity policies, identify municipal ordinances that may influence physical activity, and determine local governments' intentions to implement policies. In 2001, we mailed a survey to all of the state's municipalities with the goal of measuring 6 physical activity domains: sidewalks, bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, work sites, greenways, and recreational facilities. Data from 74 municipalities revealed that planners made up a small proportion of municipal staff. Relative to cities experiencing slow or medium growth, high growth cities reported more ordinances encouraging physical activity. Physical activity policies can be monitored across municipalities. Moreover, evidence-based public health practice provides direction for limited staff and funding resources.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.93.9.1399

Authors: John J. Librett, Michelle M. Yore, Thomas L. Schmid

Institutions: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Language: English

Topic: Urban Transport and Accessibility

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: green

Funders: Utah Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention