ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses cross-level interactions, illustrated by specific examples of particular interest to health researchers and promoters. It focuses on physical connections, pathways, and linkages. Transportation between micro-level environments is a primary component of the meso-level environment and should be an important focus for policies encouraging physical activity. Local policies can expand and improve public transportation options to effectively increase physical activity, as the use of buses, subways, and light rails typically involves active transportation to and from established stops or stations. Policies that affect roadway improvements, such as addition or improvement of bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and way-finding signage, can also improve transportation-related meso-level environment by increasing physical activity via enhancing safety. The chapter discusses how policy and the environment work together to influence physical activity participation with specific setting illustrations. It describes the level of ecological model of physical activity to emphasize the endless possible combinations of built environments and policies that can co-exist to promote physical activity.
