Poor street lighting, a lack of footpaths and busy roads can be the difference between walking and getting into the car to run a simple errand. It can also be the difference between being a healthy weight and being overweight.
Lack of green space and accessible public transport are making people overweight, obesity specialists say.
The Heart Foundation’s national director of clinical issues, Rob Grenfell, said if open space was inviting and safe, people would leave the car at home. Even putting a footpath through the end of a cul-de-sac to another street could entice more people to take a daily walk.
”But if you have barriers in front of you, such as poor street crossing, poor lighting … you’re less likely to do these sorts of things,” Dr Grenfell said. ”You simply can’t have physical activity if you don’t have the environment to do it in.”
