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Article
Sneakers and Spokes: An Assessment of the Walkabili Institutionsty and Bikeability of U.S. Post-secondary
Journal of Environmental Health (2012)
  • Tanya M. Horacek, Syracuse University
  • Adrienne A. White
  • Geoffrey W. Greene
  • Melissa M. Reznar
  • Virginia M. Quick
  • Jesse S. Morrell
Abstract

The purpose of the study described in this article was to assess the walkability and bikeability of 15 U.S. postsecondary education campuses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's evidence-based Healthier Worksite Initiative Walkability Audit was modified to rate campus walking and biking path segments for path safety, quality, and comfort. Universities (n = 13) assessed an average of 44 path segments, which earned a mean score of 72.71 +/- 10.77 SD (possible range 0 to 100). Postsecondary technical schools (n = 2) assessed 20 path segments, which received an average score of 76.56 +/- 13.15. About 70% of path segments received a grade A or B, but almost 1 in 10 received a failing or poor support score for walking and biking. Nearly half or more campus environments scored significantly below an acceptable score on many path safety and quality criteria. Postsecondary education campuses that are supportive of walking and biking offer numerous benefits to the environment and people. Findings from environmental assessments like the data reported here can provide valuable input to campus planners.

Disciplines
Publication Date
2012
Publisher Statement
Copyright 2012 Journal of Environmental Health. This article may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the author and Journal of Environmental Health. The article may be found at http://connection.ebscohost.com/c/articles/71964948/sneakers-spokes-assessment-walkability-bikeability-u-s-postsecondary-institutions
Citation Information
Tanya M. Horacek, Adrienne A. White, Geoffrey W. Greene, Melissa M. Reznar, et al.. "Sneakers and Spokes: An Assessment of the Walkabili Institutionsty and Bikeability of U.S. Post-secondary" Journal of Environmental Health Vol. 74 Iss. 7 (2012)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/geoffrey_greene/1/