UTAH’S BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN DESIGN GUIDE: Giving Communities the Tools They Need for Active Citizens Shaunna Burbidge, PhD Metro Analytics Brett McIff, PhD Utah Department of Health

Utah’s Health Status -- Obesity State Rate: 11.7%

Obesity State Rate: 19.5%

Obesity State Rate: 22.1%

Obesity State Rate: 24.0%

Physical Activity

How Do We Increase PA?  PAPPI Physical Activity Promotion through Predator Introduction

Benefits of Active Transportation  Health  Decreased risk of chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, strokes, certain kinds of cancers, obesity related conditions)  Public Safety  Fewer accidents and slower speeds  Traffic Congestion  Fewer cars on the road  Increased visibility of cyclists  Economic Development  Accessibility and interaction with commercial environments

The annual health care cost of obesity in the U.S. has Doubled in less than a decade to $147 billion Finkelstein, E.A., Tongdon, Cohen, J.W., & Dietz, W. (2009) Annual medical spending attributable to obesity: payer-and-service- specific estimates. Health Affairs, 28:5, w822-w831.

Obesity in Utah  In Utah, 5.2% of our total medical costs can be attributed to obesity  This results in about $393 million spent on treatment related to obesity and related chronic conditions

The High Cost of Inactivity  Direct medical costs in the U.S. related to physical inactivity costs are about $76 billion  Beyond medical costs, the impact on mental health, productivity, and overall quality of life is much more critical

The Cost of Inactivity in Utah  Physical inactivity in Utah costs an estimated $256,673,411, or about $2,729 per person  Medical Care Costs: $27,805,033  Workers Comp Costs: $498,136  Lost Productivity Costs: $228,370,242 Physical Inactivity Cost Calculator (2006). East Carolina University, College of Health Education & Promotion. Available at

Cost Savings If as little as 5% of inactive people became physically active, it could save an estimated $12,833,671 per year Physical Inactivity Cost Calculator (2006). East Carolina University, College of Health Education & Promotion. Available at

Background  In 2010, the American Reinvestment and Recovery act (ARRA) made available funding to states and communities as Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW)  While several communities applied, only the Utah Department of Health received funds  Dedicated to the development of the Utah Bicycle/ Pedestrian Master Plan Design Guide Supporting trainings in late 2011/early 2012

Purpose  The Bicycle/Pedestrian Master Plan Design Guide is focused on:  Providing local municipalities with the background, support, and local examples of bicycle and pedestrian regulations, infrastructures, and systems  Not mandated, but supported and encouraged  Targets the planning department and elected officials  A “How-To” guide to creating a walkable/bikeable environment at the community level

Process  A Bicycle Pedestrian Task Force was created as part of a safety grant; this Task Force is the steering committee for the Guide Composed of: Utah Department of Health; Physical Activity, Nutrition, & Obesity Program Utah Department of Transportation; Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator Utah Department of Transportation; Safe Routes to School Program Utah Department of Public Safety; Utah Highway Safety Office Wasatch Front Regional Council Utah Transit Authority Salt Lake Valley Health Department ….

The Guide  Step by Step “How To” Guide  Utah Specific  All Encompassing  Policy and Infrastructure  Beginner to Advanced  User Friendly  All departments and forms of government

How it Works  “Choose Your Own Adventure”  Chapters Organized by Level   Beginning  Intermediate   Advanced  Local Examples  Resource Guide

What You Can Do  Provide Comments  Speak-Up Locally  Raise Awareness  Follow-Up

Timeline  Finalizing Document  May 2011  Final Approval from Task Force  June 2011  Document Sent to Printer  June/July 2011  Dissemination and Trainings  Fall 2011-Spring 2012

Questions?