In this episode we explore the importance of active transportation, which contributes to physical, mental, and social well-being, and are key components of healthy, active, and safe urban roads.

Improving road safety contributes to a “road safety dividend”, or a surplus of positive outcomes that contribute to global health and well-being. Road safety improves when we reduce motor vehicle traffic through strategies such as improved access to public transit, dedicated bike infrastructure, walkable and more connected neighbourhoods, and slower, more controlled traffic: all these provide other benefits to communities. What does this mean? Well, changing our urban built environments to support and encourage walking for transportation positively impacts physical activity, mental health, chronic disease, and injury. Increases in active transportation in urban communities can contribute to a reduction in air pollution which affect the overall health and well-being of communities. Greater walkability and active transport opportunities in urban areas can also improve economic development, with pedestrians having greater access to local businesses and enterprises.

• There are ways to integrate physical activity into your day, and some of the easiest ways is to look at active transportation options to get to and from work, school, and play.
• The physical environment you live and travel in can impact your ability to walk, cycle, or use public transportation.
• Active transportation, the opportunity to get physical activity while moving from point A to point B, is important for physical and mental health, and social connectedness, but it’s also good for the environment. Safe spaces to walk and cycle increase people’s choices to use these options.

ParticipACTION’s Dr. Leigh Vanderloo joints host Pamela Fuselli for an in-depth discussion.

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