Enhancing active mobility on Bonaire

In recent years, action has been called for to increase physical activity levels globally, especially amongst vulnerable population groups. It has been suggested that incorporating physical activity levels into the daily lives of the most inactive population groups – particularly through walking and cycling – can provide impactful benefits to public and planetary health. Global physical activity levels vary region by region, and data suggest that low levels of physical activity exist amongst members of Caribbean population groups. Moreover, high levels of obesity, mortality and morbidity have been highlighted amongst Caribbean populations. The Caribbean Dutch municipality of Bonaire is no different, with data suggesting that 60% of Bonaire residents experience overweight, obesity, and other (oftentimes preventable) health conditions.

In January 2024, Urban Cycling Institute, supported by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport of the Netherlands commenced a 4-year pragmatic research project aimed at enhancing active mobility and reducing health inequities on Bonaire. The project sets out 4 overarching objectives to be achieved over the period 2024-2027, culminating in the co-development of a set of evidence based policy recommendations for active mobility. The first year of the project aims to explore and understand the factors which hamper and facilitate active mobility and physical activity for residents of Bonaire. In year 2, mixed methods community based research will be carried out that uncovers local narratives regarding the social determinants of physical activity and active mobility and the stakeholder network responsible for physical activity and active mobility. The third year will focus on the identification and evaluation of existing interventions on Bonaire. Finally, year 4 will be focused on the development of evidence based policy actions.