The 2019 Conference on Health and Active Transportation: Research Needs and Opportunities

Abstract

Active transportation (AT) is widely viewed as an important target for increasing participation in aerobic physical activity and improving health, while simultaneously addressing pollution and climate change through reductions in motor vehicular emissions. In recent years, progress in increasing AT has stalled in some countries and, furthermore, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created new AT opportunities while also exposing the barriers and health inequities related to AT for some populations. This paper describes the results of the December 2019 Conference on Health and Active Transportation (CHAT) which brought together leaders from the transportation and health disciplines. Attendees charted a course for the future around three themes: Reflecting on Innovative Practices, Building Strategic Institutional Relationships, and Identifying Research Needs and Opportunities. This paper focuses on conclusions of the Research Needs and Opportunities theme. We present a conceptual model derived from the conference sessions that considers how economic and systems analysis, evaluation of emerging technologies and policies, efforts to address inclusivity, disparities and equity along with renewed attention to messaging and communication could contribute to overcoming barriers to development and use of AT infrastructure. Specific research gaps concerning these themes are presented. We further discuss the relevance of these themes considering the pandemic. Renewed efforts at research, dissemination and implementation are needed to achieve the potential health and environmental benefits of AT and to preserve positive changes associated with the pandemic while mitigating negative ones.

Decarbonization of Transport and Oral Health

“…The December 2019 Conference on Health and Active Transportation brought together experts from the fields of transportation and health to discuss and shape the future of active transportation. The conference focused on Innovative Practices, Building Strategic Institutional Relationships, and Identifying Research Needs and Opportunities to pave the way for sustainable transportation solutions [22]. However, it is noteworthy that the conference outcomes and the derived conceptual model, which encompassed economic and systems analysis, evaluation of emerging technologies and policies, efforts to address inclusivity, disparities, and equity, as well as messaging and communication strategies, did not explicitly include an oral health perspective despite the strong relationship between oral health and overall health [70,71].…”

“…Decarbonizing transport involves the promotion of active modes of transportation, such as walking and cycling, which not only contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions but also offer direct benefits for oral health [22]. Active transportation plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health.…”

Impacts of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on leisure and transportation physical activity among healthcare workers

“…Examples include walking or bicycling to and from work or transportation hubs ( 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2018 ). Although it may share similar features with leisure-time PA, this list does not necessarily involve destinations, a distinguishing aspect of transportation ( Berrigan et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Leisure-time PA is more easily modified than other PA domains, and changes in this type of activity are more likely to affect health because it holds a significant proportion of moderate-to-vigorous intensity activities ( 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2018 ). Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in transportation behaviors with declines in active transportation as a result of real and perceived risks of COVID-19 ( Berrigan et al, 2021 ). It is known that the use of public transportation is generally related to increased active transportation ( Berrigan et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic led to disruptions in transportation behaviors with declines in active transportation as a result of real and perceived risks of COVID-19 ( Berrigan et al, 2021 ). It is known that the use of public transportation is generally related to increased active transportation ( Berrigan et al, 2021 ).…”