According to 2006 census data, 80% of the residents of Thunder Bay live within 5 kilometers of their workplace. This provides many of us with great opportunities  to get more active.

What is preventing us from walking or biking more often? No time, motivation, or energy? BUT, could it be that our built environment also deters us  from walking or biking?

Consider the pictures below:

Which street would encourage you to get more active? What is it about this street that makes you want to get out of your car and walk?

There's lots of research that suggests that things like sidewalks, trails, trees, benches, good lighting, public art, a mix of residential and business, slower traffic, and landscaping beside the roadways affects whether we walk or ride our bike to work or school.

Thunder Bay is moving towards a more sustainable human transportation system that will promote a healthier population, discourage crime, reduce green house gas emissions, and attract professionals to our forward-thinking city.

Want more?