Is it easy to be active in your community? As we consider the obesity epidemic in the country and its relationship to heart disease and, of course, Type II diabetes, we need to look at the way our communities function. In decades past, people walked and rode bikes as a form of transportation, performed dozens of tasks we now use machines for, and had access to fresh and healthy food on a daily basis. Since the 1950s society has changed in ways that make it more difficult to be physically active.
Did you know that 40 percent of all car trips are made within two miles of home? 1 Many of these trips are made by car because there are physical or perceived barriers to walking or biking. Sidewalk networks are incomplete (if they exist), crossings are dangerous, retail uses and schools and churches are separated from neighborhoods, bike parking isn’t available, car drivers don’t know how to share the road with bikes, and bicyclists may not be comfortable enough to do so safely. All of these factors contribute to fewer opportunities to lead an active lifestyle.
More than 60 percent of American adults are not regularly physically active. In fact, 25 percent of all adults are not active at all.2 Moderate physical activity of just 30 minutes a day most days of the week is the amount needed to reduce health risks3, including the risk for Type II diabetes. Walking or biking to and from the store, school, workplace or place of worship could fulfill this basic requirement.
Across the country groups and individuals are working to raise awareness of these issues and make the active lifestyle-health-land use-transportation connection to achieve active, healthy communities. AARP has a liveable communities initiative that advocates walkability and complete streets. The National Complete Streets Coalition includes partners like the Bikes Belong Coalition. State and local campaigns for complete streets are also underway. Individuals are making a difference participating in Safe Routes to School activities, speaking out in favor of pedestrian connectivity and bike routes at plan commission and local legislative hearings, and testifying before their state legislatures. As a DESA member, you are likely already an active person and could benefit from better connections in your community. You can also be an advocate to encourage others to be healthy and promote active lifestyles in your communities. Learn more about active communities and get involved in your where you live to improve the ability to bike and walk locally.
More than 60 percent of American adults are not regularly physically active. In fact, 25 percent of all adults are not active at all.2 Moderate physical activity of just 30 minutes a day most days of the week is the amount needed to reduce health risks3, including the risk for Type II diabetes. Walking or biking to and from the store, school, workplace or place of worship could fulfill this basic requirement.
Across the country groups and individuals are working to raise awareness of these issues and make the active lifestyle-health-land use-transportation connection to achieve active, healthy communities. AARP has a liveable communities initiative that advocates walkability and complete streets. The National Complete Streets Coalition includes partners like the Bikes Belong Coalition. State and local campaigns for complete streets are also underway. Individuals are making a difference participating in Safe Routes to School activities, speaking out in favor of pedestrian connectivity and bike routes at plan commission and local legislative hearings, and testifying before their state legislatures. As a DESA member, you are likely already an active person and could benefit from better connections in your community. You can also be an advocate to encourage others to be healthy and promote active lifestyles in your communities. Learn more about active communities and get involved in your where you live to improve the ability to bike and walk locally.
Learn more about active communities ~
AARP Liveable Communities: http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/liv-com/
AARP Liveable Communities: http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/liv-com/
American Planning Association: http://www.planning.org/policy/guides/adopted/surfacetransportation.htm
Author Rose Scovel, AICP is a Senior Planner and Associate at LSL Planning, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN. She is currently president of the Indiana chapter of the American Planning Association and an avid runner and cyclist. She is also a Type II diabetic.
1 League of American Bicyclists: http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/why/environment.php
The State of Indiana has a goal that all Hoosiers will live within 15 minutes of a trail.
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/intro.htm
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/physical_activity/index.html
David Gorden graduated with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Illinois in 1981. Upon graduating he received the Department of Landscape Architecture's Edward L. Ryerson Fellowship through which he spent six months in New Zealand studying the work of landscape architects in that country's National Parks. Since then his extensive travels have taken him to over 65 countries around the world.
David is a Licensed Landscape Architect in the States of Indiana and Illinois and has been recognized with a variety of awards and honors from a variety of organizations :
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On April 30th INASLA assisted the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department in their Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony at the Foundation for Youth (FFY). Over 30 children spent time learning about the benefits of trees as well as the profession of landscape architecture. Three cherry trees were planted adjacent to the FFY Garden that supplies a variety of vegetables and flowers to the children throughout the summer. The cherry trees will add to the variety offered. The children tend to the garden throughout the summer with the season culminating with the sale of homeade salsa from the garden produce. The garden and tree planting are wonderful examples of positive ways to encourage children to spend time outdoors! Each child was given a small tree sponsored by ASLA to plant in their yard when they return home.
