Activity Friendly Environments are places where people of all ages and abilities can easily and safely enjoy walking, bicycling, rolling, and other forms of active transportation and recreation.
Access to physical activity
The availability of sidewalks, on-street bicycle facilities, multi-use paths and trails, parks, open space, and recreational facilities provide the opportunity for physical activity as a regular part of the days for everyone in the community. The health benefits of regular physical activity (PDF) include disease prevention, improved mental health, and effective management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and arthritis.
Combined built environment approaches
The development of community master plans that inform transportation systems and land use decisions result in environments that support healthy communities. These environments encourage mixed-use development and a connected grid of streets, allowing homes, businesses, schools, parks, and stores to be close together and accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists and those with limited mobility.
Complete Streets
"Complete Streets" is a concept that roadways should be designed for all users, not just cars. Local governments with Complete Streets ordinances must consider this concept when constructing new or retrofitting existing streets and roads. Communities with these ordinances also qualify for the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board’s Complete Streets Award.
Resources
Active Community Environment Toolkit (PDF)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Active People, Healthy Nation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Active Communities Tool
National Complete Streets Coalition
Washington State Department of Transportation Active Transportation Plan