THE STUDY:
- Researchers analyzed relationship between “active travel” — bicycling or walking rather than driving — and physical activity, obesity and diabetes.
- Looked at city- and state-level data from the US and international data from 15 countries
RESULTS
- The relationship between active travel and health was discernible at three different geographic levels: international, state and city
Active travel linked to:
- >50% of differences in obesity rates among countries
- 30% of difference in obesity rates among states and cities
- European countries with high rates of walking and cycling have less obesity than car-dependent countries like Australia and North America
- Comparing all 50 states and 47 largest American cities states with higher rates of walking and cycling had:
- A higher % of adults who achieved recommended levels of physical activity
- A lower % of adults who are obese
- A lower % of adults with diabetes
BOTTOM LINE:
- The relationship between active travel and health seems clear: Good sidewaks and bike lanes mean more people use them. The more people use them, the less obesity and diabetes in the community.
- Support local measures to encourage more walking and cycling for daily travel by providing safe, convenient and attractive infrastructure, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bike paths and lanes, and intersection modifications that protect pedestrians and cyclists.
Citation:
1. Pucher J, Dijkstra L. Promoting safe walking and cycling to improve public health: Lessons from the netherlands and germany. American Journal of Public Health. 2003;93:1509
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