Valuing active travel: Including the health benefits of sustainable transport in transportation appraisal frameworks

Mulley, Corinne; Tyson, Rob; McCue, Peter A.; Rissel, Chris; Munro, Cameron

doi:10.1016/j.rtbm.2013.01.001

Cited by 61 publications

(49 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…This has led to increasing recognition of the importance of using a broad definition of benefits in the economic evaluation of transportation policies and infrastructure (21)(22)(23). Table 1 lists the most common methods for economic evaluation, with a brief definition given for each method.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic review of economic analyses of active transport interventions that include physical activity benefits

et al. 2016

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Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes for the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases worldwide and there is a need for more evidence on the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions that aim to increase physical activity at the population level. This study aimed to update a systematic review published in 2008 by searching peer-reviewed and unpublished literature of economic evaluations of transport interventions that incorporate the health related effects of physical activity. Our analysis of methods for the inclusion of physical activity related health effects into transport appraisal over time demonstrates that methodological progress has been made. Thirtysix studies were included, reflecting an increasing recognition of the importance of incorporating these health effects into transport appraisal. However, significant methodological challenges in the incorporation of wider health benefits into transport appraisal still e xist. The inclusion of physical activity related health effects is currently limited by paucity of evidence on morbidity effects and of more rigorous evidence on the effectiveness of interventions. Significant scope exists for better quality and more transparent reporting. A more consistent approach to the inclusion of benefits and disbenefits would reinforce the synergies between the health, environmental, transport and other sectors. From a transport sector perspective the inclusion of physical activi ty related health benefits positively impacts cost effectiveness, with the potential to contribute to a more efficient allocation of scarce resources based on a more comprehensive range of merits. From a public health perspective the inclusion of physical activity related health benefits may result in the funding of more interventions that promote active transport, with the potential to improve population levels of physical activity and to reduce prevalence of physical activity related diseases. KeywordsActive transport, economic evaluation, physical activity IntroductionPhysical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide (1) and is one of the main contributors to the global burden of non-communicable diseases. Physical inactivity increases the risk of many adverse health conditions, including obesity, coronary heart disease, stroke, breast and colon cancer, diabetes, dementia and depression (2-4). Rates of physical inactivity are high worldwide, with technological progress meaning that we now spend less energy in our everyday lives than our predecessors (5, 6). Coupled with the fact that we also have more access to energy dense foods, this constitutes increasingly obesogenic environments requiring ecological solutions (7-9). In order to 2 address the observed low levels of physical activity across populations, it is widely recognised that the incorporation of more incidental physical activity into everyday life is required through environmental, social, cultural and behavioural approaches (10).Active forms of transport, such as...

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A systematic review of economic analyses of active transport interventions that include physical activity benefits

et al. 2016

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“…The study mentioned above supports that positive psychological wellbeing effects should be considered in interventions seeking to promote active travel. Furthermore, Mulley et al (2013) showed that there are important health benefits from active transport modes providing a positive association between active travel, recreational and total physical activity. Each additional hour spent in car travel per day was associated with 6% increase in the likelihood of obesity.…”

Section: Benefits Of Physical Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining ways to enhance active transportation and the impact on commuters' health, wellbeing and sustainable development

Papageorgiou

Balamou

Efstathiadou

et al. 2018

Preprint

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Active transportation and physical activity is a major remedy to health-related problems in our society. According to the World Health Organization, the lack of physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for global mortality as well as health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular complications and other diseases that are threatening public health. To reduce the health risks of physical inactivity, active transportation, and in general physical activity have recently gained great interest in our modern societies. This paper investigates the main factors that enhance active transportation and the impact on commuters' health, wellbeing and urban sustainability. As a result, a theoretical framework is developed that explores the relevant variables that influence commuter's willingness for active mobility.

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“…For instance, in a study by Mulley et al (2013) in Australia people indicated the following options as being equally attractive: 1km on a busy road without bicycle lanes, 2.3km on a busy road with bicycle lanes, and 2.9km on a busy road with paths shared with pedestrians. However, studies on cyclist route choice (revealed preference research) suggest that distance and travel time are the most important factors (Broach et al, 2012;Gommers and Bovy, 1987;Menghini et al, 2010).…”

Section: Effects Of Bicycle Lanes and Paths On Mobilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

The mortality impact of bicycle paths and lanes related to physical activity, air pollution exposure and road safety

Schepers

Fishman

Beelen

et al. 2015

Journal of Transport & Health

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Valuing active travel: Including the health benefits of sustainable transport in transportation appraisal frameworks

Cited by 61 publications

References 13 publications

A systematic review of economic analyses of active transport interventions that include physical activity benefits

A systematic review of economic analyses of active transport interventions that include physical activity benefits

Examining ways to enhance active transportation and the impact on commuters' health, wellbeing and sustainable development

The mortality impact of bicycle paths and lanes related to physical activity, air pollution exposure and road safety

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