Integrated Urban Mobility for Our Health and the Climate: Recommended Approaches from an Interdisciplinary Consortium

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this paper is to suggest an approach to aid with the creation of an interdisciplinary team and evidence-informed solutions addressing the urban mobility challenges facing many communities. Methods: We created a local Urban Mobility Consortium with experts from different disciplines to discuss the development of healthy, accessible communities, electrification, ride-sharing, and overarching issues related to urban mobility. A workshop and survey data collected during COVID-19 are presented in this paper. Results: Several evidence-informed recommendations are provided. Broadly, these were: (1) support the creation and development of accessible and safe active-transportation infrastructure; (2) incentivize and prioritize the use of active, public, and shared transportation over use of personal vehicles; (3) ensure connectivity of active transportation infrastructure with major destinations and public transportation options; (4) work towards electrification of personal and public transportation; and (5) work across siloes to improve integrated mobility to impact climate and health related outcomes, and enhance overall efficiency. Conclusions: An integrated approach is needed to improve mobility, access, and environmental impact. This needs to be carried out in the local context and requires government and non-governmental leadership.

Effectiveness of Mobility and Urban Sustainability Measures in Improving Citizen Health: A Scoping Review

“…As a result, healthy lifestyles, as well as public policies and measures whose social interest is the generation of sustainable urban spaces and mobility have emerged as an important issue in contemporary society, being a fundamental aspect in the public health of the population. In view of this circumstance, governments and institutions promote the revitalization of public spaces, which encourages participation in physical activity and the development of human interrelationships [5]. Thus, an active lifestyle, including walking and cycling, has become a key factor in reducing the impact of chronic diseases, obesity, and/or coronary problems linked to human behaviour, such as those caused by lack of physical exercise [6].…”