Health Papers
(Re)Connecting land use planning and public health: supporting walkability initiatives from within a regional health authority
Sherrill Johnson, PhD, Population Health Consultant, Capital Health
Summary: Health systems everywhere are currently struggling with the burden of 21st century public health problems, most notably chronic disease and injuries. In light of growing concerns about the sustainability of the health care system, interest has been growing in exploring how different types of urban design can promote health and influence the prevention of population-level factors that contribute to disease and injury. The evidence demonstrates that there is an association between land use planning and the health of populations. The most researched area to date for connecting land use planning and public health is the impact of urban design on levels of physical activity. Low density suburban neighbourhoods contribute significantly to physical inactivity. The design of these neighbourhoods and their distance from daily destinations (groceries, services) typically requires a high degree of automobile dependence and decreases opportunities for active transportation, such as walking, cycling and use of public transit. The evidence shows that people who live in walkable communities (those that have mixed land uses, connected streets and higher population density) walk more and drive less than those who live in suburban communities. This paper highlights the links between land use planning and public health and makes the case for public health input into land use decision-making processes. ... More
99 percent perspiration - breeding a successful community walking for health initiative
Andrew Stuck and Pam Rouquette
Summary: Established in 1996, Salisbury's Walking Forum and its Salisbury District Walking for Health project, is one of Britain's longest running and most successful walking for health initiatives, with more than 1000 led walks having been completed. A pedestrian-friendly walking network has evolved. Innovative walking initiatives have been tried and tested - this paper will highlight the key lessons to be learnt in creating a successful community walking initiative. The Forum evolved by broadening its remit and widening its membership to include volunteers and professionals in health promotion, recreation, sport, tourism and transport, and succeeded in raising the profile of walking, evidenced by the increasing popularity of the walks themselves, achieved through the work of a volunteer champion. ... More
A Business Case for Active Transport A Tool for Measuring Outcomes against the Triple Bottom Line. Social Environmental and Economic outcomes
Rita Butera, VicHealth; Julie Webb,
Summary: Abstract VicHealth and ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability Australia/New Zealand (ICLEI-A/NZ) have worked in partnership to develop a tool for measuring the benefits of active transport initiatives against triple bottom line indicators (social, environmental and economic indicators). The focus of the active transport measurement tool is on the Walking School Bus. The aim of this project was to demonstrate to local governments in Victoria, Australia, the multiple health, environmental and economic benefits of supporting and promoting active transport practices, specifically through increased pedestrian and bicycle friendly initiatives. Specifically, VicHealth funded ICLEI-A/NZ in 2003/04 and 2004/05 to develop the Walking School Bus Quantification Tool. ... More
A Continuous Pedestrian Network
Mayer Hillman
Summary: There is considerable evidence indicating that the wider public interest is better served when journeys are made on foot rather than by motorised means. For this reason, there is a strong case for re-ordering existing transport priorities in favour of pedestrians. ... More
A STEP in the right direction
Motivating Secondary School students to take action and get active | Jacky Kennedy, Programme Manager Green Communities
Summary: Green Communities | Active & Safe Routes to School promotes safety, healthy physical activity, and environmentally sustainable transportation to and from school (www.saferoutestoschool.ca). ASRTS is hosted by Green Communities Canada, a national network of non-profit organizations that deliver innovative, practical environmental solutions to Canadian households and communities. See: www.greencommunitiescanada.org. ... More
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