Studies: Active Transportation Leads to Better Health

Although not surprising given recent CDC reports and literature reviews, a new study in the American Journal of Public Health provides more concrete evidence linking active commuting and reduced levels of obesity.

Streetsblog DC reports on the study here:

The study found that there are significant connections between having a low obesity rate and a high rate of walking or biking to work. The same is true for diabetes. In statistical terms, about 30 percent of the variation in obesity among states -- and more than half of the variation in diabetes -- was linked to differences in walking and cycling rates.

A recent brief prepared by Todd Litman for the American Public Transit Association (APTA) also provides even more evidence and research. For example, the brief emphasizes research showing that transit commuters average 30% more walking, and are 4X more likely to achieve the 10K steps/day recommended for health than car commuters. You can download the PDF of this brief here.