RWJF-Funded R.O.A.D.S. (Research on Active Design in Springfield) Study

About the Study

In 2017, PHIWM received one of only nine national Robert WoodJohnsonFoundation Policies for Action Grant to study Springfield's Complete Streets policy. "Complete Streets" refer to policies that support roadways that are designed and operated for the safety of everyone using it—whether by car or bike, foot or bus. PHIWM and Tufts University, led by principal investigators Kathleen Szegda, PhD, MPH, MS, and Erin Hennessy, PhD, MPH, investigated whether “Complete Streets” policies lead to changes in the built environment, the economic environment, the social environment, and health/health behaviors. 

This research is a quasi-experimental, mixed-methods participatory research project using an equity lens. It holistically examines the effects of adoption and implementation of a CS policy on a mid-sized city experiencing numerous health inequities, including how the policy was implemented and the subsequent effects on the built environment, economic outcomes, social environment, health behaviors and health. 

We partnered with Live Well Springfield's Transforming Community Initiative on this project and engaged community residents in data collection (e.g. bike/pedestrian counts) and interpretation efforts.

We are currently analyzing the data we've collected. Stay tuned for more information!

• RWJF Policies for Action Grants Announcement
• RWJF Grant Summary: Understanding Community and Health Impacts of Complete Streets Policies
• PHIWM Nabs Complete Streets Study Grant

Members of the R.O.A.D.S. Study Team presented at the American Anthropological Association Annual Meeting on November 17, 2021 from 4:30-6:15 pm. The presentation was called, Participatory Methodologies in Policy-oriented Research: Whose Truth Is Told, to Whom Are We Responsible?