Citation

Lovasi GS, Schwartz-Soicher O, Neckerman KM, Konty K, Kerker B, Quinn J, Rundle AG. Ann. Behav. Med. 2013; 45(Suppl 1): S76-S85.

Affiliation

Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA, gl2225@columbia.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s12160-012-9416-z

PMID

23011913

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One strategy to address health problems related to insufficient physical activity is to examine modifiable neighborhood characteristics associated with active transportation. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether neighborhoods with more aesthetic amenities (sidewalk cafés, street trees, and clean sidewalks) and fewer safety hazards (pedestrian-auto fatalities and homicides) are associated with active transportation. METHODS: The 2003 Community Health Survey in New York City, which asked about active transportation (walking or bicycling >10 blocks) in the past 30 days, was linked to ZIP-code population census and built environment characteristics. Adjusted associations were estimated for dichotomous (any active transportation versus none) and continuous (trip frequency) active transportation outcomes. RESULTS: Among 8,034 adults, those living near sidewalk cafés were 10 % more likely to report active transportation (p = 0.01). Homicide rate was associated with less frequent active transportation among those reporting any active transportation (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Investments in aesthetic amenities or homicide prevention may help to promote active transportation.

Language: en