Transport and health: en route to a healthier Australia?

Abstract

We have been slow to recognize the impact that decisions about transport, land use and infrastructure have on health. Apart from encouraging a sedentary lifestyle, reliance on motor vehicle transport has a range of adverse health effects (traffic accidents, air and noise pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions). Physical activity equivalent to 30 minutes (in total) of brisk walking on all, or most, days of the week provides preventive and protective benefits for a wide range of health conditions (including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and osteoporosis). "Active transport"--walking, cycling and/or using public transport instead of car travel--could have dual health benefits by providing physical activity and reducing the adverse health effects of motor vehicle transport. Doctors, medical administrators and health advocates can encourage the use of "active transport", and influence community-based programs and policy development about land use planning and travel demand management.