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.
Index Measures Impact of Heat on Pedestrian Activity
When heat and humidity are high, people are more likely to opt for cars when possible.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
San Francisco Mayor Backtracks on Homelessness Goal
Mayor Dan Lurie ran on a promise to build 1,500 additional shelter beds in the city, complete with supportive services. Now, his office says they are “shifting strategy” to focus on prevention and mental health treatment.
How Trump's HUD Budget Proposal Would Harm Homelessness Response
Experts say the change to the HUD budget would make it more difficult to identify people who are homeless and connect them with services, and to prevent homelessness.
The Vast Potential of the Right-of-Way
One writer argues that the space between two building faces is the most important element of the built environment.
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.
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont