Walk Stillwater: Using Point-of-prompt Signage to Influence Physical Activity in the Downtown Community

Abstract

Increasing physical activity is crucial to battle sedentary lifestyles, which can lead to numerous health complications. People increasingly rely on the use of vehicular transportation, even at short distances, potentially because the built environment around does not promote physical activity. The built environment can play a crucial role in increasing physical activity in the community. This project implemented and evaluated the Walk Stillwater campaign. The project included installation of point-of-prompt signs in the downtown community of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Point-of-prompt signs represent an environmental cue to action to increase physical activity in a vehicle dependent society. Methods for evaluating this campaign included video recordings of two intervention sites pre- and post-implementation of the program. The primary research question included whether signs increased the proportion of people walking to their destination instead of relying of vehicular transportation. All video recordings were coded by two trained observers. After the installation of the point-of-prompt signs there was no significant change in the number of people walking to their destination at either location. Most individuals continued to rely on vehicular transportation. In addition, no one was observed viewing the signs or scanning the QR codes that would prompt individuals the direction to get to the particular destination. City ordinances may have limited the utility of the point-of-prompt signs by requiring posting at approximately 7 feet, placing the signs at a height that is not easily visible for pedestrians, thereby hindering the intervention.