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In a study of physically inactive adults in New South Wales, Australia, interesting scenery, including neighborhood aesthetics and greenery, and good street lighting at night, correlated with an increased amount of weekly walking by people participating in a walking-promotion program. Other environmental factors that seemed to have positive effects were perceived safety for walking at night and access to nearby destinations like stores.

Merom, Dafna, Adrian Bauman, Philayrath Phongsavan, Ester Cerin, Mazen Kassis, Wendy Brown, Ben J. Smith, and Chris Rissel. (2009). Can a motivational intervention overcome an unsupportive environment for walking – findings from the Step-by-Step Study. Annals of Behavioral Medicine 38(2), 137-146.

Topics

Health & well-being, Active living

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