ABSTRACT
Design is an important factor in ensuring pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is safe, accessible, and appealing. Bicycle and pedestrian travel offer health benefits by increasing mobility options and opportunities for physical activity in the community, whether for recreational or travel purposes. Well-designed pedestrian amenities make public realm more comfortable, accessible, aesthetically beautiful and enjoyable. These pedestrian amenities can include seating, public toilets, drinking fountains, signage, lighting, garbage receptacles, public art, and trees and plantings. Although pedestrian amenities and aesthetics create an enjoyable and pleasing environment, the weight of evidence suggests they are not strongly related to physical activity. While some systematic reviews and large qualitative studies have shown a moderate positive relationship between high-quality amenities or aesthetics and physical activity, most studies have found mixed or no significant connection. Special consideration should be given to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure connectivity to avoid instances where sidewalks are suddenly discontinued or wide streets that allow bicyclists to share the road abruptly narrow.
