Public health and transportation policies, systems, and environments are undoubtedly linked. Transportation can impact public health directly in a number of ways including physical activity; risk of traffic injury or fatality; and exposure to air, noise, or water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Often overlooked, transportation can indirectly impact mental health; access to opportunities to economic and social opportunities, including housing and employment; and access to opportunities for healthy lifestyles, such as healthy food outlets, healthcare, social services, and recreational facilities. More comprehensive research on how transportation policies, systems, and environments influence health directly and indirectly, from both public health and transportation sectors is needed. This information could potentially impact transportation and planning decisions, which can ultimately affect population health and well-being.
Public health and transportation policies, systems, and environments are undoubtedly linked. Transportation can impact public health directly in a number of ways including physical activity; risk of traffic injury or fatality; and exposure to air, noise, or water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Often overlooked, transportation can indirectly impact mental health; access to opportunities to economic and social opportunities, including housing and employment; and access to opportunities for healthy lifestyles, such as healthy food outlets, healthcare, social services, and recreational facilities. More comprehensive research on how transportation policies, systems, and environments influence health directly and indirectly, from both public health and transportation sectors is needed. This information could potentially impact transportation and planning decisions, which can ultimately affect population health and well-being.