Geographic Distribution of the Ciclovia and Recreovia Programs by Neighborhood SES in Bogotá: How Unequal is the Geographic Access Assessed Via Distance-based Measures?

Abstract

Ciclovia, also known as Open Streets initiatives in other countries, are city streets that are closed to motorized traffic and opened during certain times to residents for engaging in physical activity (PA). These initiatives are viewed by policy makers and health and community advocates as being beneficial to social, environmental, and community health. This study explores the geographic distribution of Ciclovia and Recreovia and the differences in geographic access assessed via distance-based measures, based on the socioeconomic status (SES) of the area. Results from this study show that the median distance to the Ciclovia according to SES ranges from 2930m for SES 1 (most disadvantaged) to 482m for SES 6 (wealthiest). The median distance to the Recreovia sites ranges from 5173m for SES 1 to 3869m for SES 6. This study found revealing urban inequities in the distribution of Ciclovia, whereas there was less inequalities within the Recreovia sites. This study shows that urban interventions are needed to promote recreational activity and reduce health disparities in under resourced, low SES areas.