In New York City, many schools lack outdoor space for play, learning, sports, and safe active commuting. As a response to this issue and the COVID-19 pandemic, NYC’s Open Streets for Schools program launched to reclaim the streets in front of schools during recess, physical education, or pick-up and drop-off periods. The program has expanded to 78 schools across all five boroughs.
While the city appears to provide more resources to implement, support, and sustain the Open Streets for Schools program in underserved neighborhoods, there are no evaluations of health equity in the program by measuring who has access to the program, and who is benefiting (or not benefiting). This is a common evidence gap in public space and active transportation plans and programs, which results in persistent physical activity disparities among low-income children and children of color.
This talk will present on our ongoing efforts to evaluate health equity and physical activity impacts of the NYC Open Streets for Schools program. The talk will also discuss future directions for advancing this work to support the expansion and sustainability of the program.
KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Learn about the past and current Open Streets for Schools Program’s in New York City;
- Understand how Open Streets programs can promote physical activity and active transportation, and advance health equity;
- Learn about evaluation methods for Open Streets programs;
- Discuss how to advance health equity within the Open Streets for Schools program.
SPEAKERS
Katie Burford, Postdoctoral Research Scholar, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at North Carolina State University; Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
Katie is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar at North Carolina State University, and she also holds a Postdoctoral position at Columbia University in New York City where she lives. Her research is broadly focused on how urban policy and design impact physical activity and injury outcomes related to active transportation. Check out her website here!
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This 90-minute seminar is eligible for 1.5 hours of professional development credit for AICP (see our provider summary). We can provide an electronic attendance certificate for other types of certification maintenance.
Portland State University's Transportation Research and Education Center (TREC) is a multidisciplinary hub for all things transportation. We are home to the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI), the data programs PORTAL and BikePed Portal, the Better Block PSU program, and PSU's membership in PacTrans, the Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium. Our continuing goal is to produce impactful research and tools for transportation decision makers, expand the diversity and capacity of the workforce, and engage students and professionals through education, seminars, and participation in research. To get updates about what's happening at TREC, sign up for our monthly newsletter or follow us on social media.
