Dear subscriber,

Welcome to the PCAL monthly bulletin.

This bulletin reports up-to-date news and research of interest to people who want to promote active living choices in NSW. Previous monthly bulletins are archived on the PCAL website.

PCAL does not endorse or recommend any commercial products, processes or services that may be displayed through bulletin hyperlinks.

Case studies of walking and cycling tracks in Fernleigh and West Wyalong and the NSW Coastal Cycleway have all been added to the existing suite of PCAL active living case studies. A further case study of the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority's (RTAs) Sydney office end-of-trip facilities is also available. 

 A new North American resource, Healthy Planning Policies: A Compendium from California General Plans, highlights innovative North American examples of strategies for integrating health into planning.

UK agency, CABE, has compiled a resource of local council lead solutions to potential barriers facing community groups who wish to improve community spaces.

A new US report has summarised the latest peer-reviewed research that demonstrates the potential impact of infrastructure investments and transportation programs on walking and bicycling for travel and related health outcomes. 

The Australian Department of Health and Ageing has released evidence based healthy eating and physical activity guidelines for children aged five years and younger. 

A recently released NSW Health report has identified the complex interaction of multiple factors that influence student and parent travel to school. The research highlighted that enhanced collaboration between key state transportation agencies and local councils is required to encourage more walking to schools.

An innovative Northern European stair design has demonstrated how making the active choice more fun can have a dramatic impact upon incidental exercise.