Built environment and physical activity

Abstract The urban design of places where people live, work and play can make a significant difference to health and wellbeing. The influence of city planning on transport mode choice, access to open space, walkability and other characteristics of the built environment on chronic diseases and their risk factors-particularly physical activity through walking-and on environmental sustainability, is now the subject of a large body of research. However, gaps and methodological shortcomings in this literature remain, and urban research finding are still rarely used by decision-makers to plan cities. This article reviews research in this field over the last decade and proposes areas and methods for future inquiry including research methods that are relevant to policy and practice.