Table 1 Environmental perspectives (Swinburn et al. 1999) related to survey questions supported by previous research.

Political environment

Are there any policies aiming to promote physical activity and/or healthy eating?

[25–27]

Are there any plans of action aiming to promote physical activity and/or healthy eating?

Are there any implementation measures made to promote physical activity and/or healthy eating?

Are systematic follow-ups of implemented measures performed?

Are objectives, plans and evaluations regarding physical activity stated in the municipal school plan?

Are objectives, plans and evaluations regarding healthy eating stated in the municipal school plan?

Economic environment

Are there any incentives provided in order to increase the use of sports centres among children?

[28, 29]

Socio-cultural environment

(Attitudes to health promotion among municipal decision-makers were supposed to be revealed by questions regarding how health-promoting measures were prioritised in the municipality)

Are there any measures taken in order to increase walking and biking to school and in general?

[30, 31]

Have any overhauls of walking and bike paths been performed in the last five years?

Have any overhauls of walking and bike paths to and from schools been performed in the last five years?

Have any overhauls of the traffic safety in the immediate vicinity of the schools been performed in the last five years?

Compared to the municipal road network, how prioritized are the bike paths regarding maintenance during wintertime?

Is there any public health officer or similar staff employed in the municipality?

Is there any diet head or diet coordinator employed in the municipality?

Physical environment

Are up-to-date and weatherproof bike stands provided?

[32–39]

Are bike paths maintained during wintertime?

Has a general speed limit of 30 km/h been implemented in housing areas?

Part of total bike paths separated from road traffic

Kilometers of biking paths in relation to municipal road network.

Kilometers of walking paths in relation to municipal road network.