Community wayfinding: Pathways for public health policy and practice

Ease of wayfinding in the community may contribute to several public health benefits, encouraging walking and wheeling, promoting use of public transit, and reducing air pollution and risk of pedestrian and motor vehicle injury. Communities across the United States, large and small, invest heavily in wayfinding infrastructure, most often via signage and branding, typically focused on commercial interests, entertainment, or tourism rather than broader public health goals. Standards and practice guidelines are limited, especially with regard to pedestrian wayfinding, and there is wide variation in community practices. In recent years, the concept of legible cities has prompted greater attention to the infrastructure and information systems that facilitate wayfinding. This presentation by the CDC-Healthy Aging Research Network and selected stakeholder organizations derives from a cross-sector survey and assessment of community wayfinding practice and policy, describing the current status of community wayfinding practice and policy, highlighting best practices and exemplary initiatives, and sharing consensus recommendations of a multi-disciplinary panel regarding priorities to improve wayfinding in US communities. The presentation will explore the pivotal role of public health in working with citizens, design professionals, elected officials, developers, and city, regional and transportation planners to develop and maintain wayfinding resources that will support broad public health goals as well as economic interests. In addition, the presentation will discuss barriers and facilitators to practice and policy change and underline how public health can contribute to the pathway forward.