Active Transport
Prepared by: Dr Ralph Richards and Christine May, Senior Research Consultants, Clearinghouse for Sport, Sport Australia
Evaluation by: John Armstrong, Executive Officer, Pedal Power ACT; Duane Burtt, Senior Walkable Communities Advisor, Victoria Walks Inc. (January 2016)
Reviewed by network: Australian Sport Information Network (AUSPIN)
Last updated: 5 October 2018 more information concerning this content.
Introduction
Walking and cycling are popular activities that can take many different forms, including leisure and recreation, exercise and fitness, sport and athletic competition—or transportation.
Active transport refers to unassisted travel (i.e. walking) or the use of non-motorised transport (such as a bicycle) to reach an intended destination. There’s a great deal of overlap or synergy between walking and cycling used as active transport—and similar activity intended for social, recreational, and health or fitness outcomes.
Active transport has many demonstrated benefits such as personal wellbeing (health and fitness), social (community connectivity), environmental (reduced carbon footprint), and economic (reduced infrastructure costs).
Key Messages
Walking and cycling used as a mode of transport can contribute to personal health and fitness objectives.
Engaging in active transport can have positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes.
Active transport is one of the most effective means of increasing levels of physical activity within a community.
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Related Topics
Childhood Obesity
Mature-aged Sport and Physical Activity
Physical Activity Guidelines
Preventive Health, Sport and Physical Activity
Social Sport
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