Over the past 10 years, Asheville agencies & organizations have developed the foundations needed to establish the city as a showcase for Active Living, concentrating largely on promoting pedestrian activity as a viable alternative to automobile use. The Healthy Buncombe Physical Activity and Nutrition Coalition is extremely active, and works with individuals, schools and families to promte healthy living throughout the county.
Promotion and awareness efforts include an exhaustive newspaper listing of outdoor physical activity opportunities including parks & rec programs, hiking, biking and watersport events and regional parks and facilities for outdoor recreation. Awareness of the benefits of walking, biking and alternative transportation is promoted with the annual Strive Not to Drive event. In addition, a collaborative effort is looking at effective strategies to promote physical activity among residents and a major push is to promote the State’s Eat Smart Move More initiative.