Center for Disease Control advocates bicycling, walking

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a major report detailing its findings and recommendations for addressing obesity in the United States.

The findings are very significant because they bring top-notch, mainstream, peer-reviewed research behind their recommendations.

And, of course, many of their recommendations are exactly what groups like the Missouri Bicycle & Pedestrian have been talking about for years--make a concentrated effort to make our communities safer and more inviting for bicycling and walking.

Below are some of the main recommendations from the full report (PDF).

It is nothing short of amazing how similar these recommendations are to similar plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing community livability.

One reason spending money to great better bicycling, walking, and transit infrastructure is such a good investment is because the results pay off in so many different and complementary ways.

Strategies to Encourage Physical Activity or Limit Sedentary Activity Among Children and Youth

Strategy 12
Communities should require physical education in schools.

Strategy 13
Communities should increase the amount of physical activity in PE
programs in schools.

Strategy 14
Communities should increase opportunities for extracurricular physical
activity.

Strategies to Create Safe Communities That Support Physical Activity

Strategy 16
Communities should improve access to outdoor recreational facilities.

Strategy 17
Communities should enhance infrastructure supporting bicycling.

Strategy 18
Communities should enhance infrastructure supporting walking.

Strategy 19
Communities should support locating schools within easy walking
distance of residential areas.

Strategy 20
Communities should improve access to public transportation.

Strategy 21
Communities should zone for mixed use development.

Strategy 22
Communities should enhance personal safety in areas where persons are
or could be physically active.

Strategy 23
Communities should enhance traffic safety in areas where persons are or
could be physically active.


Strategy to Encourage Communities to Organize for Change

Strategy 24
Communities should participate in community coalitions or partnerships
to address obesity.