Creating Walkable Communities: January 19, FMW SHIP: Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles in Diverse, Rural Communities!

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1 Creating Walkable Communities: a Health in All Policies Approach January 19, 2016

2 The goal of the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) is to help Minnesotans live longer, healthier, better lives by preventing risk factors that lead to chronic disease.

3 Increased opportunities for physical activity, nutritious food, and tobacco- free living where people live, work, play and seek health care services. means more people get physical activity, better nutrition, and less tobacco exposure leading to improved health and less chronic disease lowering health care costs, and improving quality of life

4 Working with Communities Partnering with communities to promote walking and biking as a mode of transportationt ti

5 St. James, Minnesota Population 4,605 Median age 34 Households 1,839

6 Teamwork

7 St. James Active Living Plan The PURPOSE of the plan is to articulate a strategic vision i for active living i over the next one to five years. Active living is a fundamental change in the way transportation and health has been traditionally considered, and provides a unique opportunity for new partnerships. This plan does not represent the end of our active living efforts, but rather the beginning.

8 St. James Active Living Vision

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10 Walking Audit The Minnesota Department of Health, assisted with completing a walking audit of the community and identifying areas of need.

11 Goal 1 Develop a comprehensive sidewalk and trail system that serves all people regardless of their age and ability.

12 Community Assets City has a bike/walking trail around St. James Lake Cooperative construction with Watonwan County. 3.5 miles connects with the county trail system. City has a perimeter biking/walking trail along the north, east and south sides of the community. City- State t have designated d a bike/walking trail with no on street parking on the south detour route.

13 Safety Walking Vests

14 Goal 2 Provide educational opportunities for residents to learn about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

15 Goal 3 Promote Safe Routes to School by providing safe pedestrian and bicycle facilities that t encourage the community and students to bike and walk to school, thereby living healthier lifestyles. l

16 Safe Routes to School

17 St. James Active Living Plan

18 HIGHWAY 4 PROJECT PURPOSE To achieve a smooth ride, replace poor utilities beneath the highway, and to enhance pedestrian accommodations.

19 Hwy 4 Project Elements Bring all pedestrian accommodations up to American s with Disability Act (ADA) standards Improve boulevard aesthetics and safety Upgrade lighting standards and fixtures

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21 Mini Roundabouts

22 Back in Angle Parking Quick Facts: Parking maneuver is similar to but easier than parallel parking Vehicle doors and trunk are more readily accessible from sidewalk. Improved visibility of traffic when leaving the stall. Provides reduced risk of crashes

23 Challenges Railroad splits the city - east and west Highway 4 splits the city north and south Students use railroad underpass to walk to school

24 Keys to Success Gathered community input to develop priorities Educated key stakeholders Held walkability audit Looked ahead at upcoming highway projects Developed active living plan Worked across many sectors

25 Thank you! shipfmw.blogspot.com