13 Jan 2011

More policies needed to stem car usage and encourage walking and cycling

The continuing increase in the use of private cars for most journeys, including short and uncomplicated travel, highlights the need to strengthen policies which promote active travel – according to research by the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH).

The briefing paper Active Travel – healthy lives launched today shows that in the Republic of Ireland, half of all car owners in the Greater Dublin Area drive for trips of less than one mile. In Northern Ireland, car travel accounts for 50% of all journeys less than two miles and almost two thirds of journeys less than five miles.

In 2006 approximately 63% of all journeys in the Republic were made by car and 70% of all journeys in Northern Ireland were made by private car in 2007-2009.

More active travel means better health

(NOTE: Active travel refers to using physical activity such as walking or cycling instead of motorised means to make routine journeys such as going to work, the shop or visiting friends.)

IPH Public Health Development Officer and report author Teresa Lavin said that placing greater priority on active travel in urban planning and policies would increase walking and cycling and improve health and well-being in the community.

“There is considerable scope to replace car journeys with walking and cycling and doing so would increase physical activity which would benefit people’s health straight away.

As the level of active travel increases road traffic injuries and deaths decrease. For example, in Germany and the Netherlands where there are high rates of active travel pedestrian fatalities are ten times lower than in the United States which has high car usage” she said.

The report also highlights evidence of the environmental, economic and social benefits of active travel.

“Increased active travel reduces greenhouse gas emissions, brings better air quality and less noise, benefiting both the environment and health.

Active modes of travel would reap substantial economic benefits. Research from Scotland has suggested that if 40% of all car journeys switched to bicycle this would result in a saving of £2 billion per year due to reduced mortality. The saving is estimated to be closer to £4 billion if improved health is also included.

The research shows that increased active travel also promotes social cohesion and enhanced community life by increasing opportunities for social interaction as well as increased safety from anti-social behaviour due to more people on foot or bicycle in the area.”

The paper also highlights the need to address health inequalities when promoting active travel as people in disadvantaged communities are less likely to walk or cycle due to traffic, noise, crime, litter, poor street lighting and poor quality public transport. As such more comprehensive measures may be necessary to promote active travel in poorer areas.

Ms. Lavin added that a strong planning and policy response is necessary: “To make active travel a viable, safe and attractive alternative to car use requires policies which incorporate health and equity into transport planning. An integrated policy approach is needed which includes legislation, planning, financing, implementation and monitoring. The overall aim of policy and intervention to increase active travel should be making the healthy choice the easy choice.”

The IPH paper makes the following recommendations:

·         Health should be a central component of active travel planning

·         Equity must be a key consideration in all interventions to increase active travel

·         Inter-sectoral collaboration is needed to ensure the benefits of active travel are realised across a broad range of sectors

·         Continued investment in a cycling and walking friendly infrastructure is essential

·         Develop a culture of walking and cycling by addressing negative perceptions associated with active travel

·         There should be a balanced approach to the provision of incentives for active travel and disincentives for sedentary travel

·         Better information on current journeys can help to establish a baseline and indicate where most action is needed.

Examples of the types of interventions which can be implemented to encourage greater active travel include: restricting car usage in city centres, public transport provision, bicycle and walking infrastructure, on street bicycle loan programmes, safe bicycle parking at train stations and workplaces, awareness raising campaigns and supportive programmes in workplaces and schools.

The full report is available at: www.publichealth.ie/publications/activetravelhealthylives

Active travel – healthy lives is part of a suite of reports IPH has produced into factors which influence health. Other studies are available on the impacts of education, employment, fuel poverty, the built environment, transport and gambling on health. See www.publichealth.ie/publications/reports

Further Information
(RoI) Ronan Cavanagh, Montague Communications: (01) 830 3116 / (086) 317 9731.
(NI) Claire-Anne Irwin, Stratagem: (028) 908 72800 / (0792) 044 5777.
(NI) Arlene McKay, IPH: (028) 9069 0058 / (0773) 490 3944.

The Institute of Public Health in Ireland
The Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH) promotes cooperation for public health across the island of Ireland. It aims to improve health by working to combat health inequalities and influence public policy in favour of health. For more go to www.publichealth.ie