Choice Review

Frank (Univ. of British Columbia), Engelke (Georgia Institute of Technology), and Schmid (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) have prepared an unusual book with an important message. The authors buck conventional wisdom in demonstrating how prevailing patterns of residential and commercial development over the past half century have created a physical environment that is not conducive to routine exercise and thus is detrimental to good, long-term health. Despite the public fixation on athletics, they maintain, most American do not engage in vigorous exercise. The sort of activities that were once a part of many people's lives--walking and cycling--have become rare, in large part due to settings that are unfriendly to them. This multidisciplinary team of specialists cogently demonstrates how design does in fact change behavior and can be directly correlated to the routines in which people engage. The text underscores the complexity of this relationship and the multiple challenges to addressing the situation effectively. With proper understanding, however, substantive changes can be implemented. The basic premise of this book with its many particular insights are valuable for those in the design and planning professions, public officials of all kinds, and citizen activists who are concerned with improving their communities. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals. R. Longstreth George Washington University