The Built Environment and Active Transportation in the Village of Minden, Ontario

The Built Environment and Active Transportation in the Village of Minden, Ontario

McLaughlan, Amanda; Robus, Jennifer

Communities in Action Committee
Host contact: Shikaze, Sue

Tufts, Steven
Department: Geography

TP-576

2007

U-Links Office and online

Minden

Importance of built environment as a social indicator of health

This study looks at the relationship between the built environment and active transportation in the local rural community of Minden. The project involved the use of a survey with a mix of quantitative and qualtiative questions.

Previous research in active transportation mostly focuses on the urban or suburban context, with limited studies at the rural level. This study looks at the relationship between the built environment and active transportation in the local rural community of the Village of Minden. The project involved the use of a survey with a mix of quantitative and qualitative questions. The surveys were distributed in two stages: (1) in the Village of Minden using a mail in system and (2) at a local grocery store that allowed a greater representation of the more rural areas. Surveys were used to identify individuals’ active transportation patterns and the barriers to active transportation in the local area.

The results illustrate current usage patterns by local residents, as well as problems with current infrastructure in the community and barriers to active transportation. Survey results indicate that although some people walk or bike, most drive as a main form of transportation in the community. Active transportation requires linkages and connections in order to function, and distance presents significant problems for active transportation in a rural community. People would like to use the trails more often, but the availability and quality of the trails as well as sidewalks is a limiting factor to active transportation in the village. The survey findings show significant problems with the maintenance of current trails and sidewalks. Bike paths, sidewalks in the village fringes as well as a pedestrian bridge were some of the main improvements identified for making the area more conducive to active transportation.

Trent University