Healthy people, places and transport

Abstract

Issue addressed: Transport systems have recently been identified as significant social determinants of health. Because physical activity is extraordinarily effective in protecting physical and mental health, health professionals are beginning to promote 'active transport' (travel by foot, bicycle or public transport) as a sustainable positive lifestyle habit. This paper argues that a convergence of interests in health, environment protection and transport is opportune for securing more livable neighbourhoods and better public health. This paper takes a composite ecological approach to investigating the links between transport, environment and health, rather than the conventional pollution paradigm. In doing this, three issues are raised: the scale of the health damaging effects of current and projected transport practices; the potential for increasing the health promoting effects of transport; and the potential to intervene in practical ways in the harmful trend toward sedentary car travel at the expense of active transport. Conclusions: Health promotion professionals implementing the full range of health promotion actions outlined in the World Health Organization's Ottawa Charter could advance and support the movement for health linked transport practices and policies in Australia. So what?: Achieving healthier transport systems will take time but the benefits for health and quality of life will be considerable. (author abstract)

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