Register      Login
New South Wales Public Health Bulletin New South Wales Public Health Bulletin Society
Supporting public health practice in New South Wales
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Active travel: a climate change mitigation strategy with co-benefits for health

Chris E. Rissel
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

Health Promotion Service, Sydney South West Area Health Service School of Public Health, University of Sydney Email: criss@email.cs.nsw.gov.au

NSW Public Health Bulletin 20(2) 10-13 https://doi.org/10.1071/NB08043
Published: 25 February 2009

Abstract

Reducing the burning of fossil fuels for transport will help reduce the rate of climate change and the severity of the impact of climate change. The alternatives to private motor vehicles include active travel modes such as walking, cycling and use of public transport. While simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions and traffic congestion, active transport leads to increased levels of physical activity and social interaction. This article summarises a number of NSW active travel initiatives. Despite some positive steps in NSW, other Australian states have invested far more and can demonstrate greater changes in travel behaviour.


References


[1] NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change. What are greenhouse emissions in NSW? Sydney: NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change; 2008. Available from: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/climatechange/emissionsoverview.htm (Cited 18 October 2008.)

[2] Department of Climate Change. State and Territory Greenhouse Gas Inventories 2006. Canberra: Australian Government; 2008. Available from: http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/inventory/stateinv/pubs/states2006.pdf (Cited 27 June 2008.)

[3] Parker AA. The end of suburbia: what will happen when all the cheap oil is gone and what are the health implications? Health Promot J Austr 2005; 16(1): 61–8.
PubMed | (Cited 22 July 2008.)

[9] Gebel K, King L, Bauman A, Vita P, Gill T, Rigby A et al. Creating Healthy Environments – A review on the links between the physical environment, physical activity and health. Sydney: NSW Health Department and NSW Centre for Overweight and Obesity; 2005. Available from: http://www.coo.health.usyd.edu.au/publications/creatin.php (Cited 29 July 2008.)

[10] NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources and the Roads and Traffic Authority. Planning Guidelines for Walking and Cycling NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources. Sydney: Roads and Traffic Authority; 2004.

[11] National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division). Healthy by design: a planner’s guide to environments for active living. Melbourne: National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division); 2004. Available from: http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/Healthy%20by%20Design.pdf (Cited 29 July 2008.)

[12] Wen LM,  Orr N,  Bindon J,  Rissel C. Promoting active transport in a workplace setting: evaluation of a pilot study in Australia. Health Promot Int 2005; 20(2): 123–33.
Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | (Cited 23 July 2008.)

[15] Telfer B,  Rissel C,  Bindon J,  Bosch T. Encouraging cycling through a pilot cycling proficiency training program among adults in central Sydney. J Sci Med Sport 2006; 9(1-2): 151–6.
Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | PubMed | CAS | (Cited 24 July 2008.)

[25] Bicycle Victoria. Transport and Liveability Statement provides $72 million for riders. Melbourne: Bicycle Victoria; 2007. Available from: http://www.bv.com.au/change-the-world/12064 (Cited 24 July 2008.)

[26] Roads and Traffic Authority. RTA Annual Report 2007. Sydney: Roads and Traffic Authority; 2007. p. 60. Available from: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/publicationsstatisticsforms/downloads/2007_rta_annualreport_mainbody.pdf (Cited 24 July 2008.)

[27] Cycling Promotion Fund. London increases its cycling budget. Melbourne: Cycling Promotion Fund; 2008. Available from: http://www.cyclingpromotion.com.au/latest-news/latest/london-increases-its-cycling-budget.html (Cited 24 July 2008.)

[28] Campbell R. Bicycle Friendly City [online]. In: 1989 National Transport Conference: Transport for the Users; Preprint of Papers. Barton, ACT: Institution of Engineers, Australia; 1989. pp. 214–8. National conference publication (Institution of Engineers, Australia); no. 89/7. Available from: http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=820558195016115;res=IELENG (Cited 15 October 2008.)

[29] Rissel C,  Garrard J. Cycling for active transport and recreation in Australia: status review and future directions. World Transp Policy Pract 2006; 13(1): 49–63.


[30] Daley M,  Rissel C,  Lloyd B. All dressed up and no-where to go? A qualitative research study of the barriers and enablers to cycling in inner Sydney. Road Transport Res 2007; 16(4): 42–52.