Childhood Obesity Program Area

RWJF is committed to tackling one of the most urgent threats to the health of our children and families—childhood obesity. Our goal is to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

Does Neighbourhood Walkability Moderate the Effects of Mass Media Communication Strategies to Promote Regular Physical Activity?

February 1, 2013 | Journal Article

Higher cognitive impacts were observed in the more walkable neighborhoods suggesting that those living in environments conducive to walking may be more affected by mass media physical activity campaigns.

Effect of Bike Lane Infrastructure Improvements on Ridership in One New Orleans Neighborhood

February 1, 2013 | Journal Article

This study was the first of its kind to measure the number of cyclists by age group, gender, and race, before and after the installation of a new bike lane.

Bike, Walk, and Wheel

November 1, 2012 | Journal Article

Columbia residents walked and biked more in 2009 than previously, thanks to an Active Living by Design grant and infrastructure improvements.

Evaluating the Walking School Bus Program in Low-Income Neighborhoods

March 24, 2011 | Story

"Early in my medical training I started to realize that so many kids who were overweight or obese were obviously not getting enough physical activity, and it was disproportionally affecting minority kids," Mendoza recalls.

Infrastructure, Programs, and Policies to Increase Bicycling

January 1, 2010 | Journal Article

A multifaceted, coordinated approach offers the promise of substantial growth in bicycling, even in cities with low bicycling levels.

How Does Federal Funding Impact Infrastucture for Biking and Walking?

October 22, 2010 | Program Result

Researchers from the University of California, Davis, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences analyzed spending of federal funds for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across metropolitan regions nationwide and conducted case studies.

A Hierarchy of Sociodemographic and Environmental Correlates of Walking and Obesity

August 1, 2008 | Journal Article

This study reveals links between built environment, the likelihood of certain populations to walk in their neighborhoods, and overweight outcomes.

Tracking and Analyzing Trail Use in Indianapolis

October 2, 2008 | Program Result

Researchers examined patterns of trail use, analyzed the relationship between use and physical characteristics, and created statistical models that can be used to better understand trail use in other states or communities.

Three Maryland Communities Get Help Improving Their Walking Environments

June 1, 2006 | Program Result

The National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education at the University of Maryland worked in three diverse Maryland communities to assess the implementation and likely impact of new land use and zoning codes on the walking environment.

Researchers Review State Policies on Promoting Walking and Biking

September 1, 2005 | Program Result

From December 2001 through October 2002, staff from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) collected and analyzed information on state statutes and policies that promote walking and biking for physical activity.