Keyword health effects; sustainable transport; modal split

Physical inactivity is rapidly emerging as a major public health threat, becoming a leading risk factor for ill health in industrialized countries together with tobacco smoking. Regular physical activity is demonstrated to have positive effects on health, for example on life expectancy, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes II, obesity, some forms of cancer, osteoporosis, depression and independence at old age.

Between 17 and 24% of the European population is estimated to be physically inactive, with highest levels reported in the Eastern part of the region. To reduce physical inactivity, simple preventive strategies exist that are highly effective, for example engaging in about 30 minutes per day of moderate physical activity such as that provided by walking or cycling.

Particularly alarming are data regarding the lack of physical activity among children. The combination of a decrease in physical activity and an unhealthy diet is the most important contributing factor to the epidemic of obesity and overweight observed in children across the European region. Where statistics are available, it appears that while overweight and obesity are increasing, the levels of physical activity among children, in particular through cycling and walking (e.g. to and from school), are declining.

While further research is needed to document how transport policy options affect levels of physical activity in different contexts and settings, and to relate any such impacts to changes in health, there is growing awareness that sectors other than health can play a major role in building physical activity into daily life. In particular, people’s travel choices such as walking and cycling, much easier in the urban environment, could provide the necessary amount of physical activity. Urban and transport planners have a crucial role in making cycling and walking obvious and realistic options for urban dwellers, and should consider the health impacts of their decisions when planning or redeveloping urban areas.