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The Hidden Benefits of Activity Travel: How to Change Your Quality of Life?
In today's world, more and more cities are actively promoting active travel and non-motorized transportation. This is not only due to environmental protection considerations, but also a key measure to improve residents' health and quality of life. Active travel, which includes walking, cycling and other forms of physical activity, offers many unexpected benefits.
Health benefits
“Mobile transportation can prevent many fatal diseases related to pollution and environmental problems.”
Research has found that active travel can significantly improve the health of citizens and reduce the incidence of obesity and diabetes. When people switch to walking or cycling, their physical activity levels increase, reducing their risk of being overweight. Physical inactivity is responsible for one in six deaths every year, according to Public Health England, so increasing the frequency of walking and cycling is vital for good health.
Improvement of mental health
“Bicyclists perceive their environment differently than pedestrians. This different perspective improves mental health and overall well-being.”
In addition to physical health, traveling can also improve your mental state. Many advocates point out that biking or walking promotes a sense of community and strengthens connections between people. These activities are not limited to commuting, but can even become a bridge for social interaction. When people step out of their vehicles and engage with their surroundings, visual and sensory exposure increases, which has a positive impact on mental health.
Environmental benefits
"Each car emits approximately 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, accelerating the effects of climate change."
Activity travel is not only an effective way to improve health, but also an important means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the latest research, Activity travel in New Zealand can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1% per year. When people give up their cars and choose to walk or cycle, they reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and thereby combat the effects of global warming.
Policy Response
As the benefits of active travel are increasingly recognized, governments around the world are beginning to implement policies to promote this form of travel. For example, the European Union has set a "zero accident" goal to eliminate road traffic fatalities and create a safer environment for walking and cycling.
Practice in various countries
The Dutch success story
In the Netherlands, more than 40% of commuting is accomplished through active travel. The government has long supported the construction of bicycle lanes, which reflects the emphasis on active travel in the Netherlands. Such policies not only promote health but also reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.
Singapore’s challenges and opportunities
Singapore pays more attention to integrating cycling with the public transportation system. Despite the establishment of a national cycling plan, the challenge is that more infrastructure still needs to keep pace in order to provide citizens with more comprehensive mobility options.
The impact of gender differences
In some cities, notably London, women dominate walking data, showing the power of gender in travel. According to research, women are more likely to use public transport and often carry extra items or accompany others during their journeys, which affects travel choices, demonstrating the need to consider gender in the development of active mobility policies.
Conclusion
In summary, active travel is not only a way to improve health and the environment, but also a good cornerstone for community formation and social contribution. In future urban planning, how to further enhance the charm and accessibility of activity travel will be the key to promoting sustainable urban development. Are you ready to join the ranks of active travel and do your part for your health and environment?
