How Walkable Is Your Community? Krista N. Farley, MS The Plan • • • • • Overview of Healthy Communities (10) Walk Around Neighborhood (30) Debrief on What You.
Download ReportTranscript How Walkable Is Your Community? Krista N. Farley, MS The Plan • • • • • Overview of Healthy Communities (10) Walk Around Neighborhood (30) Debrief on What You.
How Walkable Is Your Community? Krista N. Farley, MS The Plan • • • • • Overview of Healthy Communities (10) Walk Around Neighborhood (30) Debrief on What You Observed (10) What Can You Do In Your Community? (5) Questions and Answers (5) Social Ecological Model 6 Elements of a Healthy Community Compact & Varied Neighborhoods Comprehensive Design Connectivity Healthy Community Healthy Affordable Food Inviting Safe & Accessible What To Look For? Infrastructure • Schools and services near housing • Traditional mixed use • Businesses accessible by multi-use • Shared open space, parks, greenspace, etc. • Develop community hubs Street Design • Quality sidewalks clear of obstacles with amenities • Connected streets • Bicycle lanes • Wide shoulders on rural roads • Access to physical activity opportunities • Safe and accessible for everyone – traffic calming Why Don’t We Walk? Percent “yes” 2011 2006 2002-03 1998 No sidewalks 39% 31% * * Health problem 30% 33% 29% 26% Unsafe street traffic 29% 25% * * Family responsibilities 28% 30% 23% 31% No one to walk with 28% 27% * * No facilities/trails nearby 28% 19% 19% 16% Work schedule 26% 23% 28% 38% Lack of crosswalks 24% 18% * * Lack of lighting 23% 19% * * Too hilly or steep 20% 22% * * Loose dogs 19% * * * An unsafe neighborhood due to crime Other 15% 14% 12% 14% 13% 2% * * No scenery to enjoy 11% 7% * * Extreme Sports Playground But What About Everyone Else? Our Walking Route Comprehensive Plans Programs Educate & Encourage Behavior Change • Awareness • Skills • Support Projects Environmental Improvements • Community Gardens • Greenspace • Streetscape Policies • Complete Streets • Zoning • Regulations Health Rewards Connect The Dots Schools Retail Stores Neighborhoods Roadways Sidewalks Trails Bike Lanes Transit Libraries Health Centers Environmental Scan The New (Old) Town How To Do It? • Select an area of concern, around community hubs, or areas being improved. • Invite stakeholders to an informational session and walk • Share impressions and data • Identify short, intermediate and long term visions • Compile results and share with stakeholders Who To Invite? • • • • • • • • • Citizens Mayors Commissioners City Council Members Traffic Engineers Planners/Architects Public Works/Parking Police/Fire Department Transit • • • • • • • • • Business Leaders Parks and Recreation School Personnel Senior Center Chamber of Commerce Relators Developers Public Health Others….. Share Your Results Tools to Use • • • • • • • www.kchdwv.org www.walkscore.com www.completestreet.org www.activelivingresearch.org www.pedbikeinfo.org www.cdc.gov www.saferoutesinfo.org For More Information Krista N. Farley, MS Director of Health Promotion Kanawha-Charleston Health Department 108 Lee Street, East – Charleston, WV 25301 (304) 348-6493 [email protected] www.kchdwv.org