“Residents who live near public transportation live healthier, longer lives,” says this Planetizen item, referencing Todd Litman’s work, and thereby affirming the bias of this blog.
This research indicates that people who live or work in communities with high-quality public transportation tend to drive significantly less and rely more on alternative modes (walking, cycling and public transit) than they would in more automobile-oriented areas. This reduces traffic crashes and pollution emissions, increases physical fitness and mental health, and provides access to medical care and healthy food.
Self-evident, you say? But oddly, not a point raised in the debate over bike lanes. When the medical-care system is threatened by the implications of obesity, why is that point not front and centre when the debate turns to the choices we make on how to spend our tax dollars (see immediately below)?
For example… if you ride the Canada Line and look around, you will see basically no evidence of the “obesity epidemic” which we are said to be having here in Canada. (Based on my personal observations from last winter.)
It’s not rocket science – active people are healthier. Taking transit generally involves more activity than driving door to door.
Ever seen a seriously obese construction worker or landscaper?
Hey – working in construction or landscaping is healthier than sitting at a desk all day!
in America, living longer would probably be vastly more expensive.
and even leaving aside the differences between the US and sane/decent health care systems, who’s more taxing on the system – a fat driver who dies at 60 from a heart attack, or a fit cyclist who dies at 80 from a heart attack?