Abstract This planning guide provides a range of ideas, information and tools for developing a comprehensive plan for creating a healthy, active city by enhancing physical activity in the urban environment. By developing, improving and supporting opportunities in the built and social environments, city leaders and their partners can enable all citizens to be physically active in day-to-day life. Keywords URBAN HEALTH CITIES HEALTH PROMOTION MOTOR ACTIVITY EXERCISE PHYSICAL FITNESS HEALTH POLICY LOCAL GOVERNMENT ISBN 978 92 890 4291 8 Address requests about publications of the WHO Regional Office for Europe to: Publications WHO Regional Office for Europe Scherfigsvej 8 DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Alternatively, complete an online request form for documentation, health information, or for permission to quote or translate, on the Regional Office web site (http://www.euro.who.int/pubrequest). © World Health Organization 2008 All rights reserved. The Regional Office for Europe of the World Health Organization welcomes requests for permission to reproduce or translate its publications, in part or in full. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatso- ever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use. The views expressed by authors, editors, or expert groups do not necessarily represent the decisions or the stated policy of the World Health Organization. Contents Acknowledgements . vi Part 1. A healthy, active city 1. Introduction . 1 Purpose of this guide . 1 Building on other key publications . 1 Moving about: what should this be called? . 2 The healthy city approach . 3 Why is a plan needed for physical activity? . 4 Relationship to other planning processes in a healthy city. 5 2. A comprehensive approach to active living in the city . 6 A framework for creating a healthy, active city . 6 A three-stage planning process . 8 3. Who does what?. 10 Partners for active living . 10 Public sector . 10 Civil society . 11 Private sector . 12 Part 2. Creating and implementing a physical activity plan 4. Stage 1: getting started . 15 Build commitment. 16 Form a leadership group . 16 Create a vision . 18 Profile your city, neighbourhoods and target population groups . 19 Consult with residents and stakeholders . 20 Identify opportunities and constraints . 22 Strengths. 22 Weaknesses . 22 Opportunities . 23 Threats . 23 Identify funds and resources . 24 Set goals and objectives . 25 5. Stage 2: preparing a plan . 28 Develop key interventions. 28 Policies. 28 Programmes . 28 Plans. 29 Infrastructure strategy . 29 Communication . 29 Set priorities for intervention options in the built environment . 30 Action strategies in urban planning . 30 Action strategies in active transport and public transport . 30 Action strategies in urban design . 31 Action strategies in communication. 31 Set priorities for intervention options in the social environment . 32 Action strategies in diversity and equity . 32 Action strategies in social cohesion, safety and social support . 33 Set priorities for intervention options in specific settings . 33 Active schools . 33 Action strategies in schools . 34 Active workplaces . 35 Action strategies in workplaces . 35 Active neighbourhoods. 36 Action strategies in neighbourhoods. 36 Leisure and sport settings . 36 Action strategies in leisure and sport settings . 37 Health care settings . 37 Action strategies in health care settings . 37 Strengthen individual intentions . 38 6. Stage 3: implementing the plan and measuring success . 41 Stage implementation . 41 Evaluate your progress . 42 Share your results . 44 Review and update your plan . 44 Part 3. Resources 7. Tools . 45 Tool 1. Identifying potential partners for a physical activity task force or leadership group . 45 Tool 2. Opportunities for physical activity: a community assessment tool . 46 Tool 3. A sample walkability audit . 49 Tool 4. How cycling-friendly is your city?. 50 Tool 5. How well are our schools doing? A sample report card for physical activity . 54 Tool 6. Special events . 56 European and international events promoting physical activity. 57 Tool 7. A checklist for identifying activities with which to proceed . 59 8. Learning from others: examples from cities in Europe . 60 9. Key sources for further information . 71 Web sites with multiple resources and links . 71 Selected publications . 73 Examples of comprehensive city plans . 73 Planning for physical activity . 73 Active transport . 74 Special populations and settings . 75 Physical activity and health . 76 References . 78 Acknowledgements We would like to express our gratitude to the cities of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network who reviewed and commented on the text during several consultation rounds. A special word of thanks is due to Marie Louise Bistrup and to Lideke Middelbeek, Technical Officers at the WHO Regional Office for Europe, who provided valuable technical, editorial and coordination input. Many thanks go to Connie Petersen for efficient administration of all stages of the production of this publica- tion and to David Breuer for meticulous text editing. The information in this publication is informed by many resources (listed in Chapter 9) and especially by Community physical activity planning: a resource manual. Toronto, Ministry of Health Promotion, Ontario, 2006 (www.mhp.gov.on.ca/english/sportandrec/PlanningResrceManual_FINAL.pdf). Peggy Edwards and Agis D. Tsouros vi 1 Part 1. A healthy, active city 1. Introduction Improving participation in health-enhancing physical activity is a public.