Connecting Routes + Destinations
Implementing the Built Environment Recommendation to Increase Physical Activity
Activity-Friendly Routes and Everyday Destinations
The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends built environment approaches that combine one or more interventions to improve transportation systems (activity-friendly routes) with one or more land use and community design interventions (everyday destinations) to increase physical activity. Combined approaches that connect activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations make it safe and convenient for people of all abilities to walk, run, bike, skate, or use wheelchairs.
State and local health departments, public health professionals, and community organizations working on ways to increase physical activity can use the Real World Examples, Implementation Resource Guide, and Visual Guide to guide their implementation process as they aim to build more activity-friendly communities.
Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Transit Transportation Systems
- An activity-friendly route is one that is a direct and convenient connection with everyday destinations, offering physical protection from cars, and making it easy to cross the street.
- Components to consider for intervention include:
- Street pattern design and connectivity.
- Pedestrian infrastructure.
- Bicycle infrastructure.
- Public transit infrastructure and access.
Land Use and Environmental Design
- Everyday destinations are places people can get to from where they live by walking, bicycling, or public transit. This can include grocery stores, schools, worksites, libraries, parks, restaurants, cultural and natural landmarks, or healthcare facilities. They are often desirable, useful, and attractive.
- Components to consider for intervention include:
- Mixed land use.
- Increased residential density.
- Community or neighborhood proximity.
- Parks and recreational facility access.
