M3.6- Built Environment

I chose to investigate “Creating A Fit Nation: Tips and Tools From New York City’s Active Design Guidelines.” I am very passionate about healthy communities and active living, and I thought this was a great presentation. We know New York is one of the country’s most densely populated cities, but through some innovative policies, it has seen: a 30% reduction in traffic fatalities, 5.5% reduction in Childhood Obesity since 2006, a 10% growth in bus and subway ridership, a 262% increase in commuter cycling, a 5% reduction in motor vehicle registrations, and a 25% decline in citywide traffic volumes. This is all only in the years 2000-2012! This is another one of our presentations that gives me hope for such a complicated and multi-faceted issue.

There are so many little ways to address a big problem, and New York accomplished these environmental successes by making new buildings more active with stairs and other step-increasing outlets, requiring bicycle parking so people knew they would have a safe place to store their bikes, and motivational signage giving action steps and their benefits. I will definitely remember this city plan and revisit it when I start my career!