Human Health and the Transportation Infrastructure

Abstract

Since the invention of the car, the built transportation environment is becoming increasingly more automobile focused. The creation of auto-oriented roadways and increased automobile usage is in direct contrast with the decrease of more active transportation modes, such as walking, biking, or public transit transportation. Although personal automobiles may save users’ time in traveling, there is a growing concern, backed by numerous studies, regarding the health effects directly and indirectly caused by increased automobile dependence and the auto-oriented transportation environment. The present report explores the many health related problems that are correlated with the current transportation environment, including reduced physical activity, obesity, respiratory problems, and mental health issues, particularly in the United States. The findings indicate that the modern built transportation system indeed influences many aforementioned problems, and that there must be engineering and societal responses to both encourage and allow greater opportunities for active transportation. The report further discusses the responses that have already taken place and planning measures to foster more active transportation in the future. Finally, it focuses on the development of a land-use planning health index, which would force land-use planners to identify active transportation needs and create a standard for the accessibility of active transportation within communities.