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Abstract #160499

Sandra F. Cummings, MSW¹, Bimpe Olanrewaju, BS², Jennifer Scales, BS, RN³, Ron Wielage, BS³, and Joan Henkle, DNS, RN⁴. (1) Marion County Health Department, 3838 N. Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205, (317) 221-2096, scumming@hhcorp.org, (2) Dept. of Public Health School of Medicine, Indiana University, 1050 Wishard Blvd. RG 4171, Indianapolis, IN 46202, (3) Department of Public Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1050 Wishard Blvd., RG 4171, Indianapolis, IN 46202, (4) School of Medicine Department of Public Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, 714 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46202-3297

Over the past fifteen years the number of states reporting a prevalence of obesity above 20% has gone from none to 42, indicating a major epidemic (CDC, 2006). The declining level of physical activity, especially in the younger population, has been identified as a major factor. The percentage of children walking to school decreased from 87% in 1969 to less than 15% in 2004 (CDC, 2005). Children who walk perform more physical activity and are more likely to meet physical activity guidelines compared to children who travel to school by motorized transport (Timperio et al., 2006). Walking can be integrated into our daily lives, rather than tacked on as “exercise”, especially if we live in highly walkable communities.

The primary goal of this project was to identify the barriers to walking to school in Indianapolis. School walkability was examined at two schools on one street in Indianapolis. The authors walked to examine the walkability of neighborhoods near the schools and used a walkability checklist from Partnership for a Walkable America. Key informant interviews and focus groups were also conducted to determine perceived barriers to walking to school.

There are several complex dimensions to the issue of walkability in the targeted area. Culture, policy, funding and beliefs all play roles in the lack of walkability and must each be addressed to improve walkability. Recommendations include funding reallocation, changes in policies, change in street design, and social marketing to encourage citizens to walk and reduce fear of crime.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to list five characteristics of community design which limit walking or biking to school.
• Participants will be able to describe common attitudes among parents which preclude walking and/or biking to school.
• Participants will be able to cite three issues related to school campus design which may increase walking and/or biking to school.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.