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NEW YORK, Aug 29, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- America's urban sprawl has been linked to health risks and road danger by a series of studies, it was reported Friday.
For example, the studies say people living in sprawling U.S. neighborhoods walk less, weigh more and are more likely to be hit by a car if they do venture out on foot or bicycle.
The studies are among the first reports to link shopping centers, a lack of sidewalks and bike trails and other features of urban sprawl to deadly health problems, USA Today said. The studies appear in the September issues of "The American Journal of Health Promotion and the American Journal of Public Health."
These reports come as more and more Americans are moving out to the suburbs in neighborhoods built to accommodate cars and SUVs. They are walking less and less. Studies by the Federal Highway Administration show that Americans make fewer than 6 percent of daily trips on foot.
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
