urban sprawl feeds obesity

[Jolt]

It's true, everything in this country, for the most part, is designed so that we can be as sedentary as possible, and now our society is paying the price in terms of health. And many of the roads leave a lot to be desired for cycling; a few are downright dangerous! I'll use my area as an example: the side streets although narrow can be good to ride on because they're not busy; some of the busier roads have a decent shoulder or a wide outside lane where I can stay out of the way of faster traffic, the roads downtown are a bit trickier because they have cars parked all along the sides (but traffic tends to be slow so I'm a little more inclined to be out in the lane rather than way to the right; there are often two lanes in each direction so people can pass me if necessary). And then there's Route 9, which goes from busy road with cars parked along both sides and one lane in each direction, to two lanes in each direction, divided, and for a short stretch there's a shoulder, to very heavy traffic with no shoulder (speed limits in this section increase from 30 to 35 mph, then go to 45+ as you go into the neighboring town). Does this sound like a road any of you would feel safe riding on? I wouldn't, that's for sure. And it stinks, because it's the only way to get to some places that are within biking distance but because of this road I am forced to drive. Obviously urban sprawl is only one factor in the whole obesity situation, but I do think it contributes. Besides, what excuse do a lot of people give for not exercising? "I just don't have time!" If physical activity were incorporated into everyday life by walking and cycling for transportation, it would go a long way toward helping that problem.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The book The Art of Urban Cycling has several chapters on how our country was turned into an automoblie-based system of roads and traffic. Everything about modern community planning was laid out with the idea that everyone drives everywhere. Period. Cars are still king and pedestrians and bikes are ZERO, and that really needs to change starting with local planning boards and citizens' complaints.
It's TRUE that way more people will bike if the roads are safer for them in any number of ways.

P.S. It's not just "obesity"- it's being out of shape no matter what your weight. There are plenty of thin people too who are inactive and out of shape and need exercise to get healthy.

[RoadRaven]

Just considering what roads look like over here... and increasingly local government bodies are making road-planning decisions that include provision for bike lanes and cycle paths. Its great. Slow... but we are heading in the right direction.

It's also really good to see mayors getting involved in "bike challenges" once a year where they lead a bike ride through their city to promote awareness and health.

Lisa, I am going to look out for that book - haven't heard of it before. Thanks