Abstract
Walking and cycling are common physical activities if performed regularly in daily life will return health, environmental and economic benefits. This study aimed to 1) assess built environments that encourage walking and cycling in communities, 2) assess levels of physical activity and energy consumption, and 3) investigate the amount of carbon dioxide emission and cost of transport. Quantitative method was employed. Data collection techniques comprised direct observation and questionnaire survey in three communities: 1) King Taksin community in Bang Khla district, Chachoengsao province, 2) Suksabaijai community in Mueang Kalasin district, Kalasin province, and 3) Ban Thatsopwaen community in Chiang Kham district, Phayao province. The results showed that King Taksin community had the highest scores on walking, cycling and use of public transport as the community center was close to the district shopping center with a well-managed public transport system. Samples from King Taksin and Ban Thatsopwaen communities had the highest levels of physical activity due to frequent walking and cycling in their daily life. Suksabaijai community had the highest level of carbon dioxide emission from motorcycles and cars, and the highest transport cost as the community center was far from the shopping center with its built environments of having a high-speed road passing through the community center hence discouraged walking and cycling. This study recommends that all agencies promoting physical activity should work with local community in designing built environments and evaluating effectiveness of walking and cycling promotion programs that fit with each community.
