An innovative experiment in "environmental calorie labeling" is based on the idea that well-placed information on the benefits of specific physical activities will prompt people to choose healthier options.
"A new U.K. project hopes we can get people to think differently about stairs by mapping and rating the world's stairwells for their calorie-burning potential," reports Ben Schiller. "StepJockey wants to create a giant informal fitness network. Call it the universal StairMaster."
The website lets users calculate the calorie-burning benefits of specific staircases, and provides the information in a graphically-pleasing poster that's ready for print.
"In behavioral economics, StepJockey's signs are known as "nudges"--discrete informational interventions that appear at moments of maximum potential impact (in this case, when people are waiting for the elevator). And tests show the approach could be quite effective. StepJockey, which is funded by the British government, installed signs in three big office buildings in London, and found that stair-use increased 29% after 250,000 journeys."
Read the full story: These Signs Let You Know Just How Good For You Taking The Stairs Is
Hiking For All: Making the Great Outdoors More Welcoming
Not everyone feels comfortable going for a hike. Various groups are working to break down barriers so that more people can experience the joys and benefits of being in nature.
Study Shows Link Between Car Ownership and Decrease in Physical Activity
A study of residents in Beijing, China who became car owners indicates that they used alternative transportation modes less after buying cars.
New Guide Helps City Leaders Design for Physical Activity and Health
The "Active Cities Report" by the Designed to Move coalition provides detailed guidance concerning how to integrate physical activity into community design, and information on the economic, social and environmental benefits that result.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement
The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.
Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion
Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.
Alabama scores up to $2.5 billion federal loan for largest infrastructure project in state’s history
The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project aims to ease congestion at Alabama’s worst bottleneck.
Trump is considering data centers on 6 states' public land — some state officials say they had no idea
If the administration approves the proposed projects, data center and data center-related developments will cover 17,600 acres of public land.
Despite court ruling, Trump is keeping nearly all wind projects in the US on hold
At least 110 wind energy projects have not heard from the government since a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's freeze on wind turbine clearances was likely illegal.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
Eagle County Government
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello