Author(s)

G. Di Pietro & I. Hughes

Abstract

A recent travel study showed that 76% of personal travel in Melbourne is undertaken by private vehicle, with only 16% by walking, 6% by public transport and 2% by bicycle [1]. This love affair with the motorcar and dependence upon personalised motorised travel is having an enormous impact on personal, community and environmental health. There is evidence that vehicle exhaust emissions are contributing to an enhanced greenhouse effect, resulting in climate changes and other environmental impacts [2]. From a personal and community health perspective being a frequent passenger in a car is translating into a population with significant levels of obesity, diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Health behaviours adopted in childhood are often carried through to adulthood [3]. The complexity of traffic, particularly around school zones at drop off and pick up

Keywords