Physical Activity as a Vital Element of the Development of the Concept of Healthy Cities (SDGs 3 and 11) with a Role of Local Governments (SDG 17)

Abstract

The main task of the chapter is to present the concepts of healthy cities, healthy active cities healthy cities and villages, and related concepts such as Green Cities, Slow Cities, and healthy smart cities (refer to SDG 11). All sectors of the economy are essential for implementing these schemes, and local governments have a unique leadership position in protecting and promoting the health and well-being of residents (refer to the SDG 17). The concept to enable all citizens, regardless of their socioeconomic status, to be physically active in day-to-day life (refer to the SDG 3) can probably be realized through solutions that are most easily accessible to all, such as bike-sharing and outdoor activities gyms if local governments enable their implementation. Next, we discuss the following two examples of research performed on these city physical activity solutions, including studies conducted in Polish cities: (a) The development of bike-sharing stations (BSS) and how and why people use them in two Polish cities: Warsaw and Bialystok. (b) Outdoor gym (OG) perception and governance: similarities and differences on a global scale; complemented by a case study in Warsaw.