Abstract
The role of the built environment as both an asset and a barrier in promoting physical activity is well documented. However, literature on the role of communities in catalyzing policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change to address gaps in the built environment is scant. We describe a community-driven PSE intervention, resulting in expanded bicycle infrastructure and physical activity opportunities in a South Texas border community. Funded through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Working on Wellness project engaged community-based coalitions in efforts to increase opportunities for physical activity in Hidalgo County, Texas. Coalitions collaborated with the city of Weslaco to install bicycle lanes and with the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization to establish a countywide Bicycle Friendly Business program. Community-driven PSE interventions can be effective public health strategies in creating long-term sustainable solutions that address environmental determinants of obesity.
Highlights
DemographicsLocated along the southern United States border with Mexico, Hidalgo County is part of a 4-county region known as the Rio Grande Valley
We describe a community-driven PSE intervention, resulting in expanded bicycle infrastructure and physical activity opportunities in a South Texas border community
Coalitions collaborated with the city of Weslaco to install bicycle lanes and with the Hidalgo County Metropolitan Planning Organization to establish a countywide Bicycle Friendly Business program
Summary
Expanding Bicycle Infrastructure to Promote Physical Activity in Hidalgo County, Texas. MPH1; Monica Campos-Bowers, DrPH, MPH1; Marcia G. Suggested citation for this article: Castillo EC, CamposBowers M, Ory MG. Systems, and environmental (PSE) strategies can expand access to healthy living infrastructure, public health programs have not traditionally incorporated PSE components in community health interventions. Community coalitions collaborated to design and implement PSE-focused interventions resulting in expanded bicycle infrastructure and sustainable public health activities in Hidalgo County, Texas. Involving community members and building their capacity to implement PSE interventions is necessary to address systemic barriers to public health. Health programming that is community driven and incorporates PSE strategies can maximize impact, reach, and sustainability of public health interventions
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