Abstract
Introduction: Urban design has the potential to influence population
levels of physical activity and subsequent health impacts. This qualitative
study investigates how decisions are made for ‘active living’ infrastructure
(walking and cycling infrastructure and open space), and particularly how
evidence is used by different stakeholders.
Method: The research involves three purposively selected local authority
areas in England. Qualitative data is collected predominantly through
semi-structure interviews, and to a lesser extent ethnographic observations.
Participants were chosen using snowball sampling with key stakeholders
such as planners, public health, new communities, developers and councillors. 6-10 participants are included for each case study area. Interviews
are audio-recorded with consent and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis is
supported using qualitative data analysis software NVivo 10.
Results: Decision making may be influenced via multiple ‘windows of
opportunity’. Funding opportunities, elected members’ personal opinions,
the persuasiveness of pressure groups, willingness to take risks, organisational culture, developers’ attitudes and personal relationships all influence
design outcomes. Different types of evidence are used by different
stakeholders, ranging from systematic reviews and bespoke research, to
population data, transport monitoring and national standards. Economic arguments for ‘active living’ infrastructure receive mixed support from
stakeholders – its potential for better design must contend with scepticism
and limited mechanisms to influence planning negotiations.
Conclusion: Stakeholders vary in the types of data and evidence used for
decision making. Better understanding of decision making processes
between stakeholders, as well as clearer health-related evidence and cost
effectiveness data could help to enable healthier neighbourhoods.
levels of physical activity and subsequent health impacts. This qualitative
study investigates how decisions are made for ‘active living’ infrastructure
(walking and cycling infrastructure and open space), and particularly how
evidence is used by different stakeholders.
Method: The research involves three purposively selected local authority
areas in England. Qualitative data is collected predominantly through
semi-structure interviews, and to a lesser extent ethnographic observations.
Participants were chosen using snowball sampling with key stakeholders
such as planners, public health, new communities, developers and councillors. 6-10 participants are included for each case study area. Interviews
are audio-recorded with consent and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis is
supported using qualitative data analysis software NVivo 10.
Results: Decision making may be influenced via multiple ‘windows of
opportunity’. Funding opportunities, elected members’ personal opinions,
the persuasiveness of pressure groups, willingness to take risks, organisational culture, developers’ attitudes and personal relationships all influence
design outcomes. Different types of evidence are used by different
stakeholders, ranging from systematic reviews and bespoke research, to
population data, transport monitoring and national standards. Economic arguments for ‘active living’ infrastructure receive mixed support from
stakeholders – its potential for better design must contend with scepticism
and limited mechanisms to influence planning negotiations.
Conclusion: Stakeholders vary in the types of data and evidence used for
decision making. Better understanding of decision making processes
between stakeholders, as well as clearer health-related evidence and cost
effectiveness data could help to enable healthier neighbourhoods.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Journal of Physical Activity & Health |
| Pages | S80-S81 |
| Volume | 15 |
| Edition | s1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2018 |
| Event | 7th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress - London, United Kingdom Duration: 15 Oct 2018 → 17 Oct 2018 |
Conference
| Conference | 7th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| City | London |
| Period | 15/10/18 → 17/10/18 |
