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NSW Public Health Bulletin archive

Active travel: a climate change mitigation strategy with co-benefits for health Volume 20 Issue 1-2

Chris E. Rissel

New South Wales Public Health Bulletin 20(2) 10–13 https://dx.doi.org/10.1071/NB08043 Published online: 25 February 2009

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About the author/s

Chris E. Rissel

Abstract

Reducing the burning of fossil fuels for transport will help reduce the rate of climate change and the severity of the impact of climate change. The alternatives to private motor vehicles include active travel modes such as walking, cycling and use of public transport. While simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide emissions and traffic congestion, active transport leads to increased levels of physical activity and social interaction. This article summarises a number of NSW active travel initiatives. Despite some positive steps in NSW, other Australian states have invested far more and can demonstrate greater changes in travel behaviour.