Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network

Project Resources Heading link

Slater S, Leider J, Chriqui JF. Examining the implementation of activity-friendly zoning and land use policies through the use of Google Street View measures: A pilot study. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. 2020. Epub ahead of print. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001176. PMID: 32487921
Chriqui JF, Nicholson LM, Thrun E, Leider J, Slater SJ. More active living–oriented county and municipal zoning is associated with increased adult leisure time physical activity—United States, 2011. Environ Behav. 2016;48(1):111-130.
Chriqui JF, Leider J, Thrun E, Nicholson LM, Slater S. Communities on the move: Pedestrian-oriented zoning as a facilitator of adult active travel to work in the United States. Front Public Health. 2016;4:71.
Using Zoning Regulations to Foster Walkable Communities: Best Practices

Dr. Jamie Chriqui and her colleagues at the Institute for Health Research and Policy developed three resources to assist communities in implementing strategies to improve walkability through zoning and the built environment. These include a primer for public health practitioners, a factsheet about zoning code reforms and their link to increased walking, and a factsheet about how zoning elements are related to walking behaviors.

  • Components of Local Land Development and Related Zoning Policies Associated with Increased Walking: A Primer for Public Health Practitioners

    This primer is was created for public health practitioners and others interested in engaging with local planning and zoning officials.

    View the primer


  • Zoning Code Reforms are Associated with Walking Behaviors in a Nationwide Evaluation

    This factsheet summarizes key findings from a recently completed nationwide evaluation of the relationship between zoning code reforms and both leisure time and active travel-related walking and activity.

    View the factsheet


  • Zoning Elements are Associated with Walking Behaviors in a Nationwide Evaluation

    This factsheet summarizes key findings from a recently completed nationwide evaluation of the relationship between zoning elements supportive of walking and both leisure time and active travel-related walking.

    View the factsheet
Lessons Learned in Implementing Zoning Code Reforms
Pedestrian-friendly zoning encourages and supports walkability through a variety of community-tailored approaches. Improvements to support walkability include large scale projects, such as the creation of mixed-use development, public plazas, and open-spaces in downtown centers, or more incremental approaches, including bike lanes, wider sidewalks, or the addition of street furniture and increased lighting. The Research Brief summarizes findings from a qualitative exploratory study examining the implementation of pedestrian-oriented zoning in 15 jurisdictions across the U.S. Jurisdiction profiles were developed for 13 of the 15 communities.
Public Health Engagement in Complete Streets Initiatives: Examples and Lessons Learned

Pedestrian-friendly zoning encourages and supports walkability through a variety of community-tailored approaches. This research brief summarizes findings from a qualitative exploratory study examining the implementation of pedestrian-oriented zoning in 15 jurisdictions across the U.S. 

View the report