Researchers at Stanford University have found that walkable urban environments and access to parks have a greater impact on people's daily physical activity than their own motivation, according to infohub.kz.
The study, led by clinical psychologist Professor Abby King, demonstrated that urban design directly influences residents' behavior. Well-maintained sidewalks, good lighting, benches, and nearby shops, cafes, and libraries encourage people to walk, cycle, or use wheelchairs more often.
According to the research, moving to a neighborhood with better pedestrian infrastructure allows people to take about 1,100 more steps per day, equivalent to an extra hour of activity per week. This significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and depression.
To address this, the team launched the "Our Voice" project, which enables residents to use a mobile app to identify problem areas in their neighborhoods and share the data with city officials. The initiative has already reached over 30 U.S. states and more than 30 countries worldwide.