Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service is committed to improving and protecting the health of
the communities in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes districts.
Position Statement – Active Transport
Active transport results in a more physically active population. This helps
to prevent some chronic diseases related to inactivity and helps to reduce
motor vehicle use. This contributes to improved overall health of the
population and of the environment.
Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service supports strategies and initiatives that
enhance active transport opportunities for our communities.
Active transport is any self-propelled mode of transportation (such as walking, jogging,
cycling, or skating) to get from one place to another.
Commuting by means of active transport is a way of incorporating physical activity into
everyday life. Regular physical activity promotes longevity and helps prevent some diseases
and conditions such as obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, strokes, some
forms of cancer, depression, cognitive decline, and osteoporosis. Regular physical activity
has been shown to improve mental wellbeing.
Active transport can reduce motor vehicle trips and reduce congestion which in turn leads to
an improvement in air quality and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing traffic
volume also helps make the roads safer for everyone. Public transport promotes active
transport as people have to walk to and from a bus stop, train station or ferry terminal.
Active transport options must be safe, attractive and convenient. Infrastructure and urban
planning that supports active transport (including public transport use) has an important role
in improving population health.
Active transport is an important contributing factor in
reducing inequalities in access, for example, public transport options and safe roads for
cyclists enable wider access to school, work, and leisure activities whilst improving the
overall health of the community.
Key strategies that can be used in transport planning that promotes active transport are:
increasing transport system diversity so there are more travel options; designing transport
systems so they accommodate the broadest range of users; creating urban environments in
consideration of transport options; and, giving a diverse range of groups more influence on
transport planning.
Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service advocates and supports the following:

Working with government agencies to actively promote and facilitate public transport,
walking and cycling

The creation of supportive environments that enable access to active transport for all
population groups including children, the elderly and people with disability

Reorienting the health service so that all health care providers and health agencies
advocate and support active transport options for both staff and patients

That active transport planning is part of any facility development and wider urban
planning.
References and further information
Healthy Christchurch (2010). Wider Health & Wellbeing Impacts of Transport Planning.
Christchurch: Environment Canterbury.
Ministry of Transport (2006). Getting there on foot, by cycle. Strategic implementation plan
2006-2009. Wellington: Ministry of Transport.
New Zealand Transport Agency (2009). Applying health impact assessment to land
transport planning. Wellington: New Zealand Transport Agency.
New Zealand Transport Agency (2009). National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), 20092012. Wellington: New Zealand Transport Agency.
Public Health Advisory Committee (2010). Healthy Places, Healthy Lives: Urban
environments and wellbeing. Wellington: Ministry of Health.
Public Health Association of New Zealand (2004). Position Statement: Transport and
Health.
World Health Organisation (2002). A physically active life through everyday transport.
Geneva: World Health Organisation.
Issued: April 2012
Review Date: April 2015
Approved by the Management
Team on: 01 June 2012
Version FINAL
Phil Shoemack