Benefits of Active Transportation
Page updated: Thursday April 19 2012
Why should I walk or cycle?
Choosing to walk or cycle pays off in many ways, from lowering your risk of developing health problems to saving you money.
Health benefits
Walking and cycling can better your health and well-being by:
- Improving your posture/balance
- Lowering your blood pressure
- Increasing your energy
- Increasing your flexibility and muscle strength
- Lowering your stress levels
Physical activity reduces the risk of:
- depression
- heart disease
- obesity
- adult-onset diabetes
- osteoporosis
- high blood pressure
Environmental benefits
Leaving your vehicle at home:
- Cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions and global climate change.
- Reduces air pollutants (walking and biking emit no greenhouse gases).
- Reduces noise pollution and congestion.
- Reduces the need for new parking lots and roadways.
- Saves valuable green space from development.
- Reduces your ecological footprint.
Economic benefits
You save money — and cause less wear and tear on the road — each time you walk or bike instead of driving.
- On average it costs $6,000-$8,000 per year to own and operate a motor vehicle, but only $150 per year for a bicycle. And walking is virtually cost-free!
- On average, driving 1 km in your car costs $13- to $20 dollars. Walking or biking 1 km costs nothing. Plus it provides some — or all — of the daily physical activity you need.
- Motor vehicles cause a lot more wear and tear on roads compared to walking and cycling.
Social/Safety benefits
Walking and cycling means:
- Increased contact with your neighbours and community.
- Calmer and safer roads.
- More "eyes on the street."
- “Safety in numbers.”
Let’s stay active and healthy together — make smarter travel choices today!
Source: Public Health Agency of Canada’s What Is Active Transportation?
