Opening the Window of Opportunity for Active Transportation Policies

Objective: We explored factors that influence Metropolitan Planning Organizations' (MPOs) prioritization of active transportation (AT) policies. Methods: MPO staff and partnering advocacy organizations across 6 metropolitan areas were interviewed. Data were analyzed using a priori codes guided by the Multiple Streams Framework. Results: Emergence of AT as a priority by MPOs was the result of the problem, policy, and political streams converging. Policy entrepreneurs who made AT policy a personal mission and were willing to invest resources were vital to creating a window of opportunity. Conclusions: MPOs play an important role in supporting AT. Our findings demonstrate how transportation professionals within other MPOs can increase AT prioritization and have important implications for public health professionals seeking to engage in transdisciplinary collaborations to advance AT policies.