Integrating public health objectives in transportation decision-making

Abstract

This perspective explores how transportation decision-making can better support public health objectives, including reduced crashes and pollution emissions and increased physical activity. Conventional transportation planning tends to overlook negative health impacts resulting from increased motor vehicle travel and potential health benefits from shifts to alternative modes. Raising the priority of health objectives supports planning reforms that result in a more balanced transportation system. Integrating health objectives into transportation planning may be a cost-effective way to improve public health.