Built environment

Where we live, work and play has a great impact on how active we are. Our built environment includes our homes, schools, workplaces, parks and recreation areas, business areas and roads.

New development often separates housing from stores, schools and workplaces. Unconnected residential streets and wide, busy commercial streets are not particularly supportive of active transportation.

 A community that encourages physical activity includes:

• shops, services, parks, schools and workplaces within walking distance of housing
• sidewalks, pathways and inter-connected roadways
• longer, pedestrian activated crossing lights

Across Canada, only 12% of trips to the grocery store, work, the library or school are made on foot or by bicycle. - The Heart & Stroke Foundation	People living in suburbs tend to drive more and walk less, which leads to poorer personal health outcomes than people who live in compact communities. - Smart Growth America	People living in moderate- to high-density neighbourhoods with community and commercial services within walking distance are 2.4 times more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity. - Annual Report Card on Canadians' Health
Take action
Learn about the built environment and how it affects physical activity.	Consider how your neighbourhood encourages walking and other forms of physical activity.	Speak out and encourage municipal leaders to ensure your community supports active transportation.