In healthy communities, walking and bicycling are a normal, routine part of daily life. In these 'active community environments' the community leaders and citizens recognize that providing for active living through community design is a health issue.

America faces a national health crisis of epidemic proportions. Moderate, daily physical activity, such as bicycling or walking, has long been recognized as an essential ingredient of a healthy lifestyle.

This site tells you how to help create neighborhoods and communities where people walk and bicycle. This doesn't just mean sidewalks, bikelanes and trails, though these will certainly be elements of an overall plan. Creating active community environments means taking a look at the broader scope of where there are – and aren't – opportunities to walk and bicycle safely, easily, and conveniently. It involves land use planning, transportation, schools, parks, safety, and much more.