Visualizing changes in physical activity behavioral patterns after redesigning urban infrastructure

The aim of this study was to explore effects of a major urban reconstruction on physical activity (PA) behavior by comparing PA intensity hotspots before and after the tunneling of a highway with a new infrastructure prioritized for walking and cycling. In total, 126 individuals participated before...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health & place 2022-07, Vol.76, p.102853-102853, Article 102853
Main Authors: Stappers, N.E.H., Schipperijn, J., Kremers, S.P.J., Bekker, M.P.M., Jansen, M.W.J., de Vries, N.K., Van Kann, D.H.H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Active transport
GPS
Infrastructural change
Optimized hotspot analyses
Physical activity
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Summary:The aim of this study was to explore effects of a major urban reconstruction on physical activity (PA) behavior by comparing PA intensity hotspots before and after the tunneling of a highway with a new infrastructure prioritized for walking and cycling. In total, 126 individuals participated before and after the tunneling. GPS loggers and accelerometers were used to assess location and PA levels. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to perform optimized hotspot analyses on PA data, both on transport and stationary data points. The results showed several changes in PA hotspots on trip data, even if total PA levels did not change. At follow-up, PA intensity hotspots were more connected, with the new infrastructure as a central connection. This was true for higher and lower educated individuals. Therefore, if changes in the built environment do not result in changes on population-level outcomes, this does not imply that they have no impact on behavior. •New infrastructure leads to changes in physical activity (PA) intensity hot spots.•Changes in PA behavior patterns do not automatically lead to changes in total PA.•The environment can change PA hot spots of lower- and higher educated individuals.•Facilities might be required to create a destination that encourages physical activity.•Geospatial analyses give new insights, supplementing predominant evaluations.
ISSN:1353-8292
1873-2054
DOI:10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102853