Community Design for Safe and Accessible Physical Activity Pop-up Demonstration in a Disadvantaged Community: A Policy, Systems, and Environmental Approach

To determine participant response to community design for safe and accessible physical activity pop-up demonstration.

The Guin Fit initiative collaborated with the community partners Healthy Community Partnership of the Mahoning Valle’s Active Transportation Team (Eastgate Regional Council of Governments and Youngstown CityScape) and conducted two safer street pop-up demonstrations in the community in 2024 The demonstrations showed how streets could be adapted to improve safety for those walking, taking the bus, bicycling, and driving. The pop-up demonstration included temporary changes such as a road diet, greenery, a bike lane, and a creative crosswalk. Youngstown Safer Street Popup Demonstration Participants Survey was compiled and administered among community participants. Descriptive data analysis was performed to summarize the responses. 

A total of 88 responses (67 (76.1%) females, 18 (20.5%) males, and 3 (3.4%) preferred not to say) were received. The average age was 48.1 (SD 18.4) years old. There were 5 (5.8%) African American, 3 (3.4%) American Indian/Alaskan Native, 1 (1.1%) Asian, 74 (84.1%) Caucasian, 4 (4.5%) Hispanic/Latino, and 1 (1.1%) Unknown. 

There were 72 (81.8%) participants rated the overall organization of the event as Excellent, 15 (17.1%) as Good, and 1 (1.1%) as Fair. There were 45 (51.1%) participants rated the accessibility of the event for people with disabilities as Excellent, 32 (36.4%) as Good, and 11 (12.5%) as Fair. For perceived safety during the demonstration, 55 (75.0%) participants reported Safe, 18 (20.5%) reported Somewhat Safe, 3 (3.4%) reported Neutral, and 1 (1.1%) reported Somewhat unsafe. Most participants reported it was Very Likely (69, (85.3%)) or Somewhat Likely (13 (8.8%)) that they support permanent changes based on this demonstration. Most participants reported that Creative crosswalks (51 (64.6%)), Pedestrian and bike lanes (44 (55.7%)), and Road diet (43 (54.4%)) were the most effective.

The response of community participants to the popup demonstration was overwhelmingly positive which might lead to future policy, systems, and environmental changes.

Physical therapy is at the intersection of public health and healthcare. The findings inform how physical therapists can address physical inactivity at the population level.