Walkable neighbourhoods and physical activity

NRU
July 8, 2015

A recent study from Public Health Ontario scientists finds that people who live in more walkable neighbourhoods, regardless of whether they live in small towns or large cities, get more physical activity by walking.

The Canada-wide study suggests that when urban planners and community developers are planning neighbourhoods they should take into account the characteristics of the physical environment that make walking an easy choice.

These can involve amenities within walking distance and a well-connected street network with a variety of options. Walkable environments offer a healthy, affordable and accessible form of physical activity.