Taking physical activity to the streets: The popularity of ciclovía and open streets initiatives in the United States

摘要

As a way to reduce chronic diseases associated with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocates community-wide initiatives promoting physical activity. One such initiative gaining popularity in the United States is the Ciclovia, or Open Streets initiative, where city streets are opened to residents for physical activity and closed to motorized traffic. Open Streets gained international prominence in Bogota, Colombia, and are viewed by policy makers and health and community advocates as being beneficial to social, environmental, and community health. The interest in initiatives is demonstrated by the increase in the number of events within and across the United States in recent years; between 2008 and 2013, over 90 U.S. cities hosted at least one event.The cities hosting events range in size from small suburban towns to large metropolitan areas and also range in socioeconomic demographics and diversity. Open Streets offer a potentially effective public health intervention in a variety of contexts.