Published In

Cadernos de Saúde Pública

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2013

Subjects

Transportation planning -- Columbia, Transportation -- Environmental aspects, Transportation -- Government policy

Abstract

Transport is associated with environmental problems, economic losses, health and social inequalities. A number of European and US cities have implemented initiatives to promote multimodal modes of transport. In Latin America changes are occurring in public transport systems and a number of projects aimed at stimulating non-motorized modes of transport (walking and cycling) have already been implemented. Based on articles from peer-reviewed academic journals, this paper examines experiences in Bogota (Colombia), Curitiba (Brazil), and Santiago (Chile), and identifies how changes to the transport system contribute to encourage active transportation. Bus rapid transit, ciclovias, bike paths/lanes, and car use restriction are initiatives that contribute to promoting active transportation in these cities. Few studies have been carried out on the relationship between transport and physical activity. Car ownership continues to increase. The public health sector needs to be a stronger activist in the transport policy decision-making process to incorporate health issues into the transport agenda in Latin America.

Description

This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, provided the original work is properly cited.

The original version of this publication is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2013000800004

DOI

10.1590/S0102-311X2013000800004

Persistent Identifier

http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/11541

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