According to global research that included more than 40,000 adults, people′s perceptions of their local neighborhoods may significantly influence whether they choose to walk or cycle. According to Simon Fraser University health sciences professor, Dr. Scott Lear, people who walk for more than 150 minutes a week for commuting or recreation revealed that their neighborhoods had nicer amenities.

The results of the study linked cycling and walking to facilities like stores or parks within a 20-minute walk, street connectivity, and safety from crime. Dr. Lear stated that cycling and walking are two wonderful methods to weave exercise into everyday life and accomplish the fitness goals listed in many New Year′s resolutions.

He added that in the study, the research team aimed to explore how elements of the built environment might either encourage or dissuade a person from engaging in certain types of physical exercise. The age of the participants who were included in the study ranged from 35 to 70 years, and they were selected from 350 urban areas in low-, middle-, and high-income nations as determined by the World Bank.

According to Dr. Lear, the percentage of physically inactive individuals is above 70% in high-income nations like Canada. He stated that one in four people does not achieve the worldwide recommended activity level of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical exercise. He concluded that this trend can have a detrimental effect on one’s health. 

(Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/health/study-identifies-neighbourhood-characteristics-that-promote-walking-and-cycling-471263 )