National effort to boost walking and biking by improving streets, parks, and neighborhoods
RFA-DP-24-062, Physical Activity Policy Research and Evaluation Network
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER · NIH-11180948
This project will develop and test community-focused ways for towns and cities to make streets and public spaces safer and easier to walk and bike, especially in underserved areas.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WORCESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11180948 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would see teams from UMass Chan and partner universities working directly with local residents, planners, and agencies to plan changes such as sidewalks, bike lanes, and better connections to parks. The network will co-create an equity-focused approach to bring different community groups and sectors together to support these changes. They will try the approach in selected communities, track how the changes are adopted and used, and adjust the plan based on local feedback. The lessons and tools will then be shared so other communities can use them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who live, work, or spend time in communities chosen for planning or pilot projects—especially residents of underserved neighborhoods—would be ideal participants or beneficiaries.
Not a fit: People who live outside participating communities or whose mobility needs are not addressed by built-environment changes (for example, those requiring specialized medical mobility devices) may not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, neighborhoods could become safer and more walkable, making it easier for people to get regular physical activity and reducing risks for chronic diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Community design interventions like sidewalks and bike lanes have evidence supporting increased activity and are recommended by public-health guides, but strategies for implementing them equitably at scale are still being tested.
Where this research is happening
WORCESTER, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER — WORCESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEMON, STEPHENIE C. — UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS MED SCH WORCESTER
- Study coordinator: LEMON, STEPHENIE C.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.