Health
Physical activity, like walking and bicycling, has numerous benefits to physical and mental health, including lowering the risk of chronic illnesses and premature death. The health benefits of regular physical activity are far-reaching: reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases; lower health care costs; and improved quality of life for people of all ages. Regular exercise provides the opportunity for health benefits for older adults such as a stronger heart, a more positive mental outlook, and an increased chance of remaining indefinitely independent, a benefit that will become increasingly important as our population ages in the coming years.
- New opportunities are developing within transportation agencies to better integrate health considerations into transportation processes. With these opportunities come important needs for research, data, and decision-making tools that align transportation goals with improved health outcomes. A Research Roadmap for Transportation and Public Health (NCHRP Research Report 932) highlights key research opportunities and documents existing research, practices, and challenges. There is also a suite of Research Problem Statements and an implementation plan that can provide navigational tools for interested champions to advance health-related research in collaboration with key transportation funding sources.
- A 2015 report from the Surgeon General emphasizes the importance of physical activity and recommends walking as a way to maintain a physically active and healthy lifestyle. According to the report, 11% of premature deaths in the United States are related to physical inactivity. Those who are physically active have a 30% lower risk of a premature death than those who are inactive.
- The same report also describes how regular physical activity can help protect against numerous chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke, certain types of cancers, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that physical activity could prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths, 1 in 8 cases of breast cancer, 1 in 8 cases of colorectal cancer, 1 in 12 cases of diabetes, and in 1 in 15 cases of heart disease.
- Despite the necessity of physical activity and benefits of walking and biking, multiple reports reveal that many Americans face barriers that prevent them from walking or biking in their communities, calling attention to the need for improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure.
- According to the 2018 State of the Air report, over 133.9 million Americans live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone and/or particle pollution. These types of air pollution can trigger or increase the risk of premature death and can have dangerous impacts on respiratory and cardiovascular health.
- Vehicles are substantial contributors to air pollution, including particulate matter as well as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, which form ozone or "smog," both of which can result in serious adverse health impacts. Choosing walking and biking over driving can help reduce emissions of these harmful pollutants.
