ABSTRACT
Transportation modes that involve physical activity are referred to as active transportation; these include walking and bicycling, as well as the use of public transport. Ecological, cross-sectional, and longitudinal studies have shown that active transportation can help individuals meet physical activity recommendations and reduce their risk of developing obesity. However, transportation policies impact the use of active transportation. Laws, regulations, and rules vary around the world and as a result, the percentage of individuals using active transportation for trips also varies greatly. Not surprisingly, in nations that are more reliant on personal automobiles, obesity rates are far higher compared to those nations where more individuals use walking and bicycling for transportation. Some nations have federal policies that promote walking, cycling, and public transit use and actively discourage the use of personal automobiles. These policies have been found to influence active transportation and as a result, have led to lower obesity rates. This chapter discusses the research on active transport as a means for decreasing the risk of obesity as well as how government policies can increase the use of active transport.
