urban planning models

 

Obesity

Urban planning and design play a significant role in shaping the built environment, which, in turn, influences physical activity, dietary habits, and, ultimately, the prevalence of obesity. Understanding the impact of urban planning models is essential for creating healthier and more livable cities. In this article, we will explore various urban planning models and their effects on physical activity and access to healthy foods.

1. Walkable and Bikeable City Model:

The walkable and bikeable city model focuses on creating urban environments that encourage walking and biking as primary modes of transportation. This model recognizes the importance of active transportation in promoting physical activity and reducing the risk of obesity. Key elements of this model include:

• Safe Sidewalks and Crosswalks: Designing well-maintained sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly crosswalks, and safe street intersections to facilitate walking.
• Bike Lanes and Bike-Share Programs: Creating dedicated bike lanes and offering bike-sharing programs to encourage cycling as a viable transportation option.
• Mixed Land Uses: Designing neighborhoods that combine residential, commercial, and recreational areas to reduce the need for long commutes and promote local accessibility.
• Public Transportation Integration: Ensuring that public transportation systems are integrated with walking and biking infrastructure, allowing seamless transfers between modes of transit.

A walkable and bikeable city model promotes physical activity, reduces reliance on automobiles, and improves access to local businesses and amenities, including healthier food options.

2. Transit-Oriented Development Model:

Transit-oriented development (TOD) focuses on creating communities that are well-connected to public transportation options. This model promotes walking and the use of public transit for daily activities, reducing the need for extensive car use. Key elements of the TOD model include:

• Compact Urban Design: Creating dense and mixed-use developments around transit hubs, encouraging walking and easy access to public transportation.
• Pedestrian-Friendly Infrastructure: Designing streetscapes with wide sidewalks, street furniture, and improved lighting to enhance pedestrian safety and comfort.
• Public Transportation Accessibility: Ensuring that transit stations are easily accessible from surrounding neighborhoods, promoting public transportation use.

TOD models can increase physical activity through walking to and from transit stations and make it more convenient for residents to access healthy food options.

3. Food Environment Integration Model:

The food environment integration model focuses on integrating healthy food access into urban planning and design. It recognizes that the built environment can either support or hinder access to nutritious foods. Key elements of this model include:

• Zoning Regulations: Implementing zoning regulations that encourage the establishment of grocery stores, farmers' markets, and community gardens in underserved areas.
• Food Deserts and Swamps Assessment: Identifying food deserts and swamps within the city to determine areas with limited access to healthy foods or an abundance of unhealthy options.
• Community Gardens and Urban Agriculture: Promoting community gardens and urban agriculture initiatives to increase access to fresh produce.
• Healthy Retail Incentives: Offering incentives to grocery stores and markets that stock and promote healthy food options.

The food environment integration model aims to create an urban environment that supports healthy eating by improving access to nutritious foods and reducing the prevalence of food deserts.

4. Complete Streets Model:

The complete streets model promotes the development of streets that accommodate various modes of transportation, including walking, biking, public transit, and driving. Key components of this model include:

• Sidewalks and Crosswalks: Designing streets with sidewalks and crosswalks that prioritize pedestrian safety and ease of access.
• Bike Lanes: Including dedicated bike lanes for cyclists, separate from vehicle traffic.
• Transit Infrastructure: Ensuring that streets are designed to accommodate public transportation, including bus stops and transit lanes.
• Traffic Calming Measures: Implementing measures such as speed limits, traffic circles, and bump-outs to create safer and more walkable streets.

Complete streets models aim to create safer and more accessible urban environments for all residents, regardless of their mode of transportation. This can lead to increased physical activity and healthier lifestyles.

5. Green Space and Recreation Model:

The green space and recreation model focuses on providing urban areas with accessible parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities. Key elements include:

• Public Parks: Designing and maintaining public parks with open spaces, playgrounds, and walking trails.
• Community Gardens: Promoting community gardens and urban agriculture to increase access to fresh produce.
• Sports Facilities: Offering a range of recreational facilities, including sports fields and courts for various activities.
• Open Spaces: Designing urban areas with open spaces for relaxation, physical activity, and community engagement.

The green space and recreation model aims to provide residents with opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and relaxation, ultimately contributing to healthier lifestyles.

6. Healthy Food Retail Incentives Model:

The healthy food retail incentives model involves financial incentives and support for grocery stores and retailers to stock and promote healthy food options. Key components include:

• Subsidies: Providing subsidies to retailers that stock and prominently display nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Marketing and Promotion: Encouraging the marketing and promotion of healthy foods within stores to make them more appealing to consumers.
• Education and Outreach: Partnering with retailers to provide nutrition education and outreach to customers about healthy eating.
• Local Sourcing: Encouraging retailers to source local and fresh produce, supporting local farmers and increasing access to healthy foods.

The healthy food retail incentives model seeks to transform the retail environment, making it easier for consumers to make healthier food choices and reduce the prevalence of unhealthy food deserts.

7. Mixed-Use Development Model:

Mixed-use development involves creating urban areas that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within close proximity. Key elements include:

• Local Accessibility: Designing neighborhoods where residents can easily walk or bike to stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Compact Design: Reducing the need for long commutes by creating communities where daily needs are within easy reach.
• Public Transportation Integration: Ensuring that mixed-use developments are well-connected to public transportation options.

Mixed-use development models encourage physical activity by promoting walkability, reducing the need for car travel, and increasing access to local amenities, including healthy food options. 

In conclusion, urban planning and design models are instrumental in creating environments that promote physical activity and provide easier access to healthy foods. These models recognize the profound influence of the built environment on residents' lifestyle choices and their risk of obesity. By implementing these models, cities can create healthier, more livable environments that support individuals in making choices that promote their well-being and reduce the prevalence of obesity.