Road safety measures have a broad impact on urban communities, with a wide range of benefits ranging from economic and environmental to equity and health. Today we are exploring the impact of our transportation system on the environment and our global climate as key components of healthy, active, and safe urban roads.

In Canada, the transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and 53 per cent of transport emissions come from passenger vehicles, such as cars and light trucks (Government of Canada, 2020). Increases in active and multi-modal transportation in urban communities can contribute to a reduction in air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution, which affect the overall health and well-being of communities, locally and globally. By promoting and making multiple forms of transportation available, urban road users can make a shift to using alternative, safer and more environmentally friendly transport options such as walking, cycling, wheeling and public transit.

• The conversation is changing. The links between transportation modes, the climate, physical and mental health, and road safety are better known that 10 years ago. These links are beneficial because many solutions in one area, positively impact the other areas.
• We don’t have to start from scratch. Examples of jurisdictions where they have successfully made the shift to more environmentally friendly transportation options and safer roads for all users are available. While some immediately come to mind, like Paris, there are many others cities that are doing really innovative and effective things.
• Cities have realized that their transportation choices play a critical role to their economic development success; providing more transportation choices to people. If cities want to attract and retain talent and, and thus employers, they have to provide these options.

Urban planning expert and leader of TODERIAN UrbanWORKS, Brett Toderian, joints host Pamela Fuselli for an in-depth discussion.

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