The Relationship Among The Built Environment, Transportation Behavior, And Population Health

Comparison Of Two Cities >

3235 Board #140 June 2 2

00 PM - 3

30 PM

PURPOSE: Active commuting and transportation behavior impacts obesity rates, wellbeing, and environmental health and quality. This study was designed to assess the relationship between active transportation, the built environment, and population perceived health in two comparable cities in the southeastern U.S.A.

METHODS: From 2006-2010, Charlotte, NC (city1) improved the built environment (e.g., shifting a motor vehicle lane to designated bicycle lane) and transportation policies (e.g., bicycle safety) to facilitate active commuting in the downtown area. Jacksonville, FL (city2) did not implement any changes to the built environment to foster active commuting. Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System [BRFSS] from 2006 (pre intervention) to 2012 (post intervention) were analyzed for both cities.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences between city1 and city2 in sample size and demographic make-up (age, race, gender, sex). Over the period 2006 to 2012, the annual difference between the percentage of Charlotte respondents rating physical health as good and those in Jacksonville rating physical health good increased at a rate of 13% per year based on an exponential growth regression model (p = 0.0213). That is, over time the difference between the two cities grew in favor of Charlotte.

CONCLUSIONS: Supportive urban and transportation policies aimed at facilitating healthy behaviors are associated with healthier communities in this convenience sample of two cities This study’s findings were consistent with past findings that highlight the importance of the built environment and transportation policies on population health. Future research is needed to assess rates of active commuting and examine the populations and outcomes longitudinally.