A community-based program to promote physical activity on downtown city streets in Atlanta

Introduction: On May 23 and October 17, 2010, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, in partnership with stake-holders and with the help of hundreds of volunteers, organized Atlanta Streets Alive (ASA). ASA took a valuable public space – city streets in downtown Atlanta - and opened them up for people to play, walk, bicycle, breathe, and make their own. ASA is modeled on tremendously successful events of Ciclovias Recreativas from around the world, including Bogotá, Colombia. Methods: To better understand the ability to increase physical activity and promote public health, a survey and participant counts were performed at the events. Surveys assessed the participants' activities in the following areas: physical activity, transportation, social capital/safety, and demographics. Results: More than 10,000 people were estimated to have attended the two events and a total of 389 surveys were completed. Based on the surveys, almost half (46%) of the participants reported that they walked or bicycled to the events. Once at the event, participants spent an average of 153 minutes bicycling, walking, running and doing other physical activities, suggesting that the events provided opportunities to reach recommended physical activity levels. The overwhelming majority of surveyed participants agreed that they felt the event was inclusive, safe and provided opportunities to meet people they normally would not. Conclusions: The results from ASA 2010 suggest that it provides opportunity for increased physical activity and social capital to a diverse population and may provide a sustainable and cost-effective opportunity for reducing barriers to physical activity in Atlanta.