Human Impact Partners Evidence Base
Articles in Retail diversity and proximity increases physical activity.
Everyday retail destinations that are accessible by walking increases physical activity.
Ewing R, Kreutzer R. 2006. Understanding the relationship between public health and the built environment. A report prepared for the LEED-ND Core Committtee. U.S. Green Building Council. Available at HYPERLINK "http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=77&" http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=77&.A study in SF Bay Area found that proximity, mix of retail, quality destinations, and modes of transport choices are influential in peoples' decisions to walk.
Handy S. 1996. Understanding the link between urban form and non=work traveling behavior. Journal of Planning Education and Research 15:183-198.Physical activity is associated with reductions in premature mortality; prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension; and improvements in psychological well-being.
Powell KE, Martin LM, Chowdhury PP. 2003. Places to walk: Convenience and regular physical activity. American Journal of Public Health 93(9):1519-1521.Relationship between obesity and the built environment. A 12.2% reduction in odds of being obese was detected with increase in density, mixed use, and street connectivity within 1 km of residential area, i.e., living in a mixed use area with a variety of shops and services is a robust predictor of obesity in urban areas.
Frank L, Andresen M, Schmid T. 2004. Obesity relationships with community design, physical activity, and time spent in cars. American Journal of Preventive Medicine 27(2):87-96.