The Active Communities Tool (ACT): An Action Planning Guide and Assessment Modules to Improve Community Built Environments to Promote Physical Activity

https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/community-strategies/active-communities-tool/index.html?deliveryName=USCDC_1296-DM31301#:~:text=Introduction-,The%20Active%20Communities%20Tool%20(ACT)%3A%20An%20Action%20Planning%20Guide,activity%20consistent%20with%20their%20community

Study Supports Environmental Protection Agency’s

Index as Viable Indicator of Walkability  

The Environmental Protection Agency created the national Walkability Index using community design, distance to a transit station, and land use diversity. A recent study found that a higher score on the National Walkability Index was associated with a higher likelihood of people walking, especially for transportation.

Factors used in the Walkability Index are part of the built environment which includes the physical makeup of where people live, learn, work, and play. This can influence overall community health and individual behaviors such as physical activity and healthy eating.

For other tools related to the built environment, please see:

• Active Communities Toolkit
• Built Environment Assessment Tool Manual