Health impact assessment of active transportation: A systematic review

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Natalie Mueller - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)
  • David Rojas-Rueda - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)
  • Tom Cole-Hunter - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)
  • Audrey de Nazelle - , Imperial College London (Author)
  • Evi Dons - , Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Hasselt University (Author)
  • Regine Gerike - , University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Author)
  • Thomas Götschi - , University of Zurich (Author)
  • Luc Int Panis - , Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Hasselt University (Author)
  • Sonja Kahlmeier - , University of Zurich (Author)
  • Mark Nieuwenhuijsen - , Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) Hospital Clínic, Pompeu Fabra University, CIBER - Center for Biomedical Research Network (Author)

Abstract

Objective: Walking and cycling for transportation (i.e. active transportation, AT), provide substantial health benefits from increased physical activity (PA). However, risks of injury from exposure to motorized traffic and their emissions (i.e. air pollution) exist. The objective was to systematically review studies conducting health impact assessment (HIA) of a mode shift to AT on grounds of associated health benefits and risks. Methods: Systematic database searches of MEDLINE, Web of Science and Transportation Research International Documentation were performed by two independent researchers, augmented by bibliographic review, internet searches and expert consultation to identify peer-reviewed studies from inception to December 2014. Results: Thirty studies were included, originating predominantly from Europe, but also the United States, Australia and New Zealand. They compromised of mostly HIA approaches of comparative risk assessment and cost-benefit analysis. Estimated health benefit-risk or benefit-cost ratios of a mode shift to AT ranged between -. 2 and 360 (median. =. 9). Effects of increased PA contributed the most to estimated health benefits, which strongly outweighed detrimental effects of traffic incidents and air pollution exposure on health. Conclusion: Despite different HIA methodologies being applied with distinctive assumptions on key parameters, AT can provide substantial net health benefits, irrespective of geographical context.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)103-114
Number of pages12
JournalPreventive medicine
Volume76
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2015
Peer-reviewedYes
Externally publishedYes

External IDs

PubMed 25900805

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Active transportation, Air pollution, Health impact assessment, Mode shift, Physical activity, Traffic incident