Transport, urban design, and physical activity: an evidence-based update

Abstract

The urban environment and modes of transport are increasingly being linked to physical activity participation and population health outcomes. Much of the research has been based on either health or urban design paradigms, rather than from collaborative approaches. Previous health reviews in the urban design area have been constrained to perceptions of the neighborhood or walking behaviors, consequently limiting the understanding of built environment influences on physical activity modalities. This review focuses on existing evidence surrounding various urban design factors and physical activity behaviors. Based on the available evidence, fostering suitable urban environments is critical to sustaining physical activity behaviors. In turn, these environments will provide part of the solution to improving population health outcomes. Key urban design features attributable to transport-related physical activity are density, subdivision age, street connectivity, and mixed land use. Future directions for research include consistent use of transport and health measurement tools, an enhanced understanding of traffic calming measures, and further collaborative work between the health, transport, and urban design sectors. Presenting these findings to transport and urban design audiences may influence future practice, thereby increasing the sustainability of health-related physical activity at the population level.