Active Transport Definition Active transport includes non-motorised forms of transport involving physical activity, such as walking and cycling. It also includes public transport to meet longer distance trip needs as public transport trips generally include walking or cycling components as part of the whole journey (Villanueva et al, 2008). Overview Active transport provides tangible health benefits by increasing daily physical activity levels and improving social wellbeing. Other benefits such as less cars on the road and a greater sense of community have also been identified (Murdoch Children s Research Institute, 2009). Planning for active transport requires facilities to ensure trips are convenient and safe. This includes end of trip facilities (particularly for cyclists) so that people can have a shower and get changed if they need to. Perth Cycle Path Source: Planning Institute of Australia Why? The National Physical Activity Guidelines for adults in Australia recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (including brisk walking) on most days of the week. Active forms of transport can support these physical activity requirements by providing opportunities to incorporate physical activity into daily activities such as travelling to work or going to the shop or school. Walking is the most accessible form of physical activity for many Australians. In 2004-05, walking was the most common form of exercise for those aged 15 years and over, with nearly half (49 per cent) reporting walking as a form of exercise in the previous two weeks (ABS, 2004-05). 1
Given that in most cities 10 per cent of all car trips are for distances less than one kilometre and 50 per cent are for distances less than 5 kilometres (typically from home), there is considerable scope for these trips to be active transport trips rather than being made by car (Brisbane City Council, 2006). How? Active transport requires the urban structure to be designed so that walking and cycling trips are convenient, pleasant and safe. In order to make walking and cycling the favoured modes for many people there needs to be: high levels of amenity, especially to key destinations such as workplaces, schools and shops mixed land uses and densities to support active transport, and choices of destinations (WA Planning Commission, 2004). The location of key facilities such as shops and schools, close to homes and on the most convenient path between two major activity centres is key to ensuring a high level of active transport, and will also help ensure the sustainability of commercial activities. To support active transport, the ideal urban structure is higher densities along main transport routes and key activities occurring where two main transport routes intersect. Health & Planning Fact Australian evidence shows that people who live in neighbourhoods with shops and schools near to their homes are more physically active (Papas et al, 2007). Australians who walk, cycle or use public transport to get to work have a lower incidence of overweight and obesity than those who drive to work (Wen et al, 2006). Encourage Guiding the structure planning process around the needs of active transport at the regional and local level to ensure active transport is the base from which the access and movement strategy is built. New growth areas that have a variety of destinations (such as schools and shops) within walking or cycling distance, and high residential densities (such as over 20 dwellings per hectare) to support these. A movement network with a highly-interconnected cycling/walking path network and a coordinated network of streets with bike lanes, pedestrian priority at intersections and pedestrian links from the end of cul de sacs. Pay special attention to the design of major roads and intersections to ensure active transport paths are safe. 2
Design Principle Active Transport On street cycle parking and pedestrians, Melbourne City. Source: Planning Institute of Australia Integrate public transport into the transport planning process to develop a sustainable transport framework that caters to all users. Support public transport provision through density, mixed land use, building up to front allotment boundaries, providing weather protection, ensuring design minimises distance from public transport stops to building entrances and maximising pedestrian amenity. Major public transport nodes or interchanges located within activity centres, and locate these activity centres on the way to somewhere else (rather than just off the trunk route). Bicycle storage facilities at stations to enable users to cycle and then connect with public transport. Public transport stops that: o link easily and directly with the pedestrian and cycling network o are located conveniently for the walkable catchment to provide a hub for the surrounding community (with postal boxes, milk bar, etc) based on the passenger service requirements for each public transport route o are supplemented with safe crossing points to improve accessibility, and their access routes have natural surveillance from surrounding development, and o have enough space to provide for shelter, seating, signage, information and lighting. 3
Rule of thumb Encourage active transport by planning for appropriate (supportive) urban form (densities, mixed land use and key destinations), providing for active transport options within the regional and local transport planning process, and investing in required infrastructure. Plan the pedestrian and cycle paths and then make the roads fit around (and support) the perfect pedestrian environment. Avoid Overpasses that may create additional travel distance and effort. Underpasses where visual surveillance will be limited. Not properly planning or funding active transport infrastructure within new growth areas. Not including active transport considerations in renewal of existing areas. Funding or approving major projects before impact on active transport has been assessed. REFERENCES Austroads, 2005, The Australian National Cycling Strategy 2005-2010, Department of Transport and Regional Services, Canberra, viewed 4 February 2009, http://www.austroads.com.au/documents/theaustraliannationalcyclingstrategy2005-2010. Australian Bureau of Statistics 2005, Physical Activity in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05, viewed 22 April 2009, http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4835.0.55.001. Brisbane City Council, 2006, Brisbane Active Transport Strategy: Walking and Cycling Plan 2005-2010, Brisbane City Council, Brisbane, viewed 28 January 2009, http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/bcc:base::pc=pc_2307. Davison, K., Lawson, C. T., 2006, Do attributes in the physical environment influence children s physical activity? A review of the literature. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Vol 3(19). Department of Health and Ageing, 2004, Australia s Physical Activity Recommendations for 5-12 year olds, Australian Government, Canberra. 4
Frank, L. D., Andersen, M. A. and Schmid, T. L., 2004, Obesity relationships with community design, physical activity, and time spent in cars. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol 27(2), 87-96. Murdoch Children s Research Institute, 2009, Stride and Ride Background Paper viewed 22 April 2009, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/hav/admin.nsf/images/stride_ride_background_paper.pdf/$file/stride_ride_background_paper.pdf. National Public Health Partnership, 2001, Promoting active transport: An intervention portfolio to increase physical activity as a means of transport. National Public Health Partnership, Melbourne. Newman, P., Kenworthy, J., 1999, Sustainability and Cities: overcoming automobile dependence. Island Press, Washington DC. Newman, P. W. G. and Kenworthy, J. R., 2000, Sustainable urban form: The big Picture in Williams, K., Burton, E. and Jenks, M. (Eds.), Achieving Sustainable Urban Form. E and FN Spon, London. Papas, M. A., Alberg, A. J., Ewing, R., Helzlsouer, K. J., Gary, T. L. and Klassen, A. C., 2007, The Built Environment and Obesity, Epidemiologic Reviews, Vol 29, 129-143. Pucher, John and Dijkstra, Lewis, 2003, Promoting Safe Walking and Cycling to Improve Public Health: Lessons from The Netherlands and Germany, FINAL Revised Version, Rutgers University, New Jersey, viewed 11 February 2009, http://www.vtpi.org. Transportation Research Board, 2005, Does the built environment influence physical activity? Examining the evidence. Transportation Research Board, Washington DC. Villanueva, K., Giles-Corti, B. and Mccormack, G., 2008, Achieving 10,000 steps: a comparison of public transport users and drivers in a university setting. Preventative Medicine, Vol 47, 338-41. Wen, L. M., Orr, N., Millett, C. and Rissel, C., 2006, Driving to work and overweight and obesity: findings from the 2003 New South Wales Health Survey Australia, International Journal of Obesity, London, Vol 30, 782-6. Western Australian Planning Commission, Oct 2007, Liveable Neighbourhoods. Western Australian Planning Commission, Perth. 5