ITE Quickbites: New Transportation and Health Resources

Transportation and Health Resources

The following is a listing of the Institute of Transportation Engineer's most recent publications for this topic.

ITE QuickBite (Active Transportation): Transportation as a Determinant of Health

Transportation is much more than mobility; it is a social determinant of health (SDOH). Social determinant of health is a framework that recognizes that an individual's health status is influenced by factors at many levels. One such factor is the design of cities and communities, including transportation infrastructure. In fact, place is so influential for health status that an individual's zip code is a greater predictor of life expectancy than his or her genetic code.

ITE QuickBite (Active Transportation): Transportation as a Determinant of Health

Transportation is much more than mobility; it is a social determinant of health (SDOH). Social determinant of health is a framework that recognizes that an individual's health status is influenced by factors at many levels. One such factor is the design of cities and communities, including transportation infrastructure. In fact, place is so influential for health status that an individual's zip code is a greater predictor of life expectancy than his or her genetic code.

ITE QuickBite (Active Transportation): Transportation for Mental Health and Happiness

Transportation planning decisions can affect people's lives in many ways, including mental health and happiness (also called "subjective wellbeing" or "life satisfaction"). Following are various ways that certain transportation planning decisions can support mental health and happiness goals.

ITE QuickBite (Active Transportation): Health and Co-Benefits of Active Transportation

Active travel infrastructure is a proven strategy for increasing physical activity. How much more walking or cycling an individual or community obtains--the magnitude of the effect--depends on a variety of factors, including whether there are destinations within walking or bicycling distance, how direct the route is, and how safe and secure individuals feel.

Smart Communities and Health

Transportation’s Role in Public Health Transportation plays an important role in health, well-being, and quality of life. The transportation system provides access to goods and services critical to health such as affordable/healthy foods, health care, education, and career opportunities. Active transportation options are known to increase physical activity, reduce obesity, and lower rates of disease. Transportation is a top contributor to urban air pollution, with major impacts to respiratory and lung health. The transportation system has a significant impact on the health of our communities.

Improving Arterial Roads to Support Public Health: How Can We Do This?

A desire to protect and enhance public health has motivated improvements to arterial roads and corridors. There are countless "on the ground" examples that illustrate this. In 2016, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) published a report on its Healthy Corridor Project describing how four communities in the United States implemented improvements along specific corridors with the goal of making positive changes in the health of the people who live, work, and travel along them. The improvements targeted health by expanding the set of relevant issues to include food access, physical activity, economic opportunities, and affordable housing in addition to pedestrian and bicycle safety.

ITE’s Role in Integrating Transport & Public Health - Paper

ITE’s Role in Integrating Transport & Public Health - Presentation