Active Living Resolution
http://activelivingcommunityvision.org
Active living programs nationwide and in Minnesota - such as Active Living Ramsey County (http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/alrc/index.htm) - seek to increase the routine physical activity of citizens through changes in (1) community design and land uses, (2) public policies and (3) communication strategies. In October 2007 Hennepin County adopted a resolution that directs staff to incorporate active living policies into physical infrastructure and programs of the county. Included were support for:
- Development patterns with mixed uses, compact designs and a variety of transportation choices that link roads, transit, bicycling and walking; and
- Buildings and their landscapes designed with features that promote opportunities for active living and active transportation, including highly visible stairs, orientation to streets and sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and transit stops at main building entries.
In the resolution the County pointed out that:
- Health problems associated with physical inactivity and poor nutrition affect the county through reduced quality of life and higher medical costs - over $1 billion in Hennepin County per year.
- Increased pedestrian and bicycle activity in neighborhoods can enhance social cohesion, increase neighborhood economic viability, and improve safety by having more eyes-on-the-street.
- Increased pedestrian and bicycle activity will reduce vehicle emissions and air pollution, thereby decreasing asthma attack rates and emergency room visits and promoting environmental sustainability.
The county is also encouraging cities to adopt active living resolutions, and has a model resolution at the web site above ("City Resolution Draft"), along with the country board resolution adopted. For more detail, contact Karen Nikolai, Community Design Liaison, Hennepin County, karen.nikolai@co.hennepin.mn.us
