A public health expert calls on transportation planners to ensure all residents have access to reliable transportation.
In a piece for The Flint Courier News, Dr. Aisha Harris asserts that transportation is a social determinant of health — “Meaning it directly and indirectly impacts how we access health care, obtain wellness and manage our chronic medical problems.”
Harris separates personal transportation options and transportation infrastructure, which is not in most people’s individual control. “In health, transportation is essential to how people access health care and maintain health, whether it is getting to the doctor, picking up medication from the pharmacy, going to the grocery store to maintain nutritional needs, or walking around their neighborhood to get more exercise.”
According to Harris, million of Americans can’t access medical care due to transportation issues such as long distances, lack of access to a vehicle, cost, or inadequate infrastructure. Thus, transportation and public health are intimately intertwined issues. “There are a lot of options to how a city, urban or rural, can look when it comes to transportation. But the infrastructure we create in our communities must adapt and include the needs of the entire community in order to not create more barriers and challenges, but help address them.”
FULL STORY: Getting there is half the battle: How transportation impacts your health
Proposed Alabama Bill Would Fund Public Transit
The senator who introduced the legislation cited concerns about the state’s low levels of workforce participation, noting that a lack of transportation is one of the main reasons Alabama residents can’t participate in the workforce.
Linking Transportation Access and Public Health
Millions of Americans miss medical care and other important day-to-day appointments due to a lack of access to reliable transportation.
Growing up Car-Free in Chicago
One Chicago youth recounts their experience growing up in a car-free household.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)