The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) reports that England’s obesity epidemic could be eased if cities and towns invested in better public spaces and green infrastructure.
RIBA writes:
New research carried out for RIBA by YouGov asked residents how much exercise they took each week and what would increase the amount of brisk walking they do. Across the nine cities 59% of people reported not meeting recommended levels of exercise; 75% of people of people who do not do enough exercise could be convinced to walk more each week whilst 25% of all respondents said nothing could change their decision not to walk.
The most common changes that people said would encourage them to walk more often were: if pathways were designed to be safer (24%) and parks and green spaces were more attractive (23%). This shows that it is the quality, not quantity of streets and parks that will encourage people in English cities to walk more.
The RIBA is using the report to call on local authorities to integrate public health and planning policies and to have a truly joined up approach to improve their city’s health.
RIBA President Stephen Hodder said:
‘At a time of austerity and increased concern with physical and mental wellbeing, it’s shocking to discover that just by making public health a priority when planning cities, we can save the country upwards of £1bn annually though reduced obesity-related healthcare costs.
‘With responsibility for public healthcare devolved now from central Government to local authorities, it’s vital that planners and developers take the lead and ensure healthier cities’.
IHBC newsblog entries on health: LINK
RIBA press release: LINK
