A physically active life through everyday transport (2002)

Abstract

Walking and cycling as part of daily activities should become a major pillar of the strategy to increase levels of physical activity as part of reducing the risk of coronary heart diseases, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and some forms of cancer. Increasing non-motorized transport will also reduce air and noise pollution and improve the quality of urban life. The present traffic conditions in European cities do not support people’s decision to choose walking and cycling for their daily mobility. More than half the trips shorter than 5 km, distances that could be covered on foot or by bicycle, are made by car.