One of the key assumptions of a new partnership between the planning and public health professions is that transit encourages more active mobility than possible with a car-centric lifestyle. But new research casts doubt on those assumptions.
"New findings by the University of Southern California and UC Irvine published in Transportation Research should give 'walkability' proselytizers some pause," according to an article by Laura Bliss. "This is one of the most comprehensive studies to date examining how access to light rail influences physical activity, and it found that having rapid transit nearby can boost steps for some—but can decrease them for others."
The study focused on physical activity by 200 participants living near Phase I of the new Expo Line in Los Angeles, which opened in 2012. According to Bliss, researchers found that although transit use increased after the new line opened, "there didn’t seem to be a significant jump in how physically active they were." When controlling for how physically active the subjects were to begin with, "individuals who were already pretty active turned out to be somewhat negatively affected by light rail access."
Bliss provides additional details on the finding of the study, and also noted how the experimental approach of this study differs from the cross-sectional approach of many previous studies that "found strong correlations between physical activity and transit use."
FULL STORY: When Light Rail Opens, Do People Really Get More Exercise?
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis
SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.
Study: How to Revitalize Downtown Minneapolis
A proposal calls for a reevaluation of the city’s skyways, a focus on street-facing businesses, and an improved public realm.
Milwaukee Residents Challenge Freeway Expansion
Residents are voicing opposition to a planned expansion of Interstate 94, arguing that the project would eliminate the limited green space in the neighborhood.
New York Congestion Pricing Approved by MTA Board
The program took another step forward as the board approved a proposed pricing scheme, but lawsuits still stand in the way of full implementation.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.