World Health: 5 Questions on How Transport is Related to Health

08th Apr 2013

TheCityFix interviewed EMBARQ Health and Road safety expert, Claudia Adriazola-Steil, for World Health Day 2013.

Q1. How can we tackle the problem of rising obesity and physical inactivity through transport?

Lack of physical activity contributes to 3.2 million deaths annually, yet just 150 minutes of physical activity per week – about 20 minutes per day – can improve health and reduce the risk of disease. A study by the New York City Department of Health showed that those who take mass transport, cycle and walk as their main form of transport, receive more physical activity than those who rely on cars.

Physical activity can be promoted in neighborhoods through access to mass transport, bike and pedestrian paths, safe streets, connectivity between different transport modes, and a compact mix of housing, retail, parks and offices. One study showed that Barcelona’s Bicing bike sharing system saved an estimated 12 lives per year, mostly by getting people out of their cars and active on the streets.

Active Travel Consortium + Travel Actively (UK)

07th Nov 2012

The Active Travel Consortium is a partnership of walking, cycling and health organisations committed to providing opportunities for 1.8 million people to become more active. Branded as Travel Actively, the consortium delivers a £30 million portfolio of 50 projects, helping people in England to change their travel habits and improve their health by giving them the practical support they need to walk and cycle as part of their everyday lives.

Doctors for the Environment (Australia)

15th Oct 2012

Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA) is a voluntary organisation of medical doctors working to promote health through care of the environment. The group has a particular interest in the health impacts of air pollution, inactivity and climate change, and the health benefits of cycling. 

European Cycle Logistics Federation (EU)

17th Jul 2012

In July 2012 more than 30 companies from across Europe joined forces to form the European Cycle Logistics Federation. The group aims to improve urban delivery and will act as a lobby group to promote cycle based delivery solutions.

Cycling Promotion Fund (Australia)

16th Sep 2010

The Cycling Promotion Fund is a non profit, Australia-wide, industry body dedicated to making Australia more bicycle friendly.