Local ordinances that promote physical activity: a survey of municipal policies.
In this Utah-based study, we sought to identify the types of municipal employees responsible for physical activity policies, identify municipal ordinances that may influence physical activity, and determine local governments' intentions to implement policies. In 2001, we mailed a survey to all of the state's municipalities with the goal of measuring 6 physical activity domains: sidewalks, bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, work sites, greenways, and recreational facilities. Data from 74 municipalities revealed that planners made up a small proportion of municipal staff. Relative to cities experiencing slow or medium growth, high growth cities reported more ordinances encouraging physical activity. Physical activity policies can be monitored across municipalities. Moreover, evidence-based public health practice provides direction for limited staff and funding resources.
Librett
John J
JJ
Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717, USA. jlibrett@cdc.gov
Yore
Michelle M
MM
Schmid
Thomas L
TL
D001642:Bicycling; D002958:City Planning / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D018672:Community Health Planning / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D004779:Environment Design / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D015444:Exercise; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011050:Policy Making; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011998:Recreation; D014481:United States; D014589:Utah; D016138:Walking