The evaluation of active transportation public health policies and programs: Understanding equitable opportunities
Open Access
- Author:
- Elliott, Lucas
- Graduate Program:
- Kinesiology
- Degree:
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Document Type:
- Dissertation
- Date of Defense:
- August 12, 2022
- Committee Members:
- Jonathan Dingwell, Professor in Charge/Director of Graduate Studies
Melissa Bopp, Chair & Dissertation Advisor
Mallika Bose, Outside Field Member
Liza Rovniak, Major Field Member
Louisa Holmes, Outside Unit Member - Keywords:
- active transportation
public health programming
program evaluation
equity
health disparities - Abstract:
- Active transportation, most seen as walking or bicycling to/from school or work, has shown to have substantial health benefits for all who participate, including, but not limited to lowering the risks of type II diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. Although the benefits of active transportation are widely understood throughout the literature, disparities (inequities) exist in overall participation and safety (e.g., fatalities, injuries) within specific populations. Notable populations who see inequities in active transportation are low-income populations, rural communities, communities of color, individuals with disabilities, youth, women, and LGBTQ+ communities. Understanding the reasoning behind these disparities is crucial to identifying best practices to promoting active transportation, in efforts to achieve equitable health outcomes. This dissertation is comprised of five studies analyzing the equitable opportunities of two public health initiatives which promote active transportation: 1) Safe Routes to School programs and 2) Complete streets initiatives. Studies one and two survey and interview state-level representatives with the Department of Transportation (or similar) to analyze the current barriers, successful strategies, and future resources required to implement equitable Safe Routes to School programs. Studies three and four analyzed how complete streets policies implement explicit language regarding disadvantaged populations within their current literature. Study five is an exploratory study and utilizes geographic information systems (GIS) to understand spatial disparities within different regions of the United States. Findings from this dissertation can be summarized into three conclusions. Firstly, there are currently many barriers when implementing public health programs and/or policies within disadvantaged communities, including lack of finances, lack of personnel, and competing priorities. Secondly, these public health initiatives require significant resources and prioritization from government officials and other ‘higher-ups’ to encourage programs/policies to be implemented successfully within disadvantaged communities. Lastly, more research is needed to analyze the specific effects of public health program interventions, while additionally working alongside disadvantaged populations to understand the desires for active transportation.