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Print | YORK REGION>Services>Public Health and Safety>Healthy Lifestyles |
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ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
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- Walking
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- Cycling
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- Public Transit
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- Carpooling
Going Somewhere…Go Active!
Active transportation uses human-powered energy to get to places such as walking, cycling, wheeling, rollerblading, and skateboarding. It is an easy way to fit physical activity into your daily routines.
Active transportation benefits you and the environment
Using active modes of transportation is the most practical and sustainable way to increase physical activity and can help you meet Health Canada's recommendations for physical activity.
With communities more spread out, residents tend to go places by cars. This leads to increased air pollution and smog, which contribute to global warming and climate changes.
Active modes of transportation can help:
- conserve energy
- reduce road congestion, pollutants, greenhouse gas and CO2 emission
- lead to improved air quality
- prevent pollution-related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, asthma and other respiratory diseases
Key resources
Going somewhere? Go active! pamphlet
Going somewhere? Going active! poster
Going To school? Go Active pamphlet
Public Health Agency of Canada – Active Transportation
The 20/20 Planner
Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
More resources ...
Walking is the most enjoyed physical activity for Canadians. It is easy, convenient and free. Research indicates that the risk of obesity can decline by 4.8% for every additional kilometre walked per day. 1
- Use walking to get to any destination nearby
- Shop locally or go to a restaurant that you can walk to
- Organize a walking group with people who share your interests
- Visit parks and trails in your community
- Take a walk-break during lunch at work
Key resources …
York Walks! Library Pedometer Loan Program
Guide to Choosing Walking Shoes/Walking and Running Clubs in York Region
The Everyday Guide to York Regional Forest
Take a Walk in the Regional Forest
Walk This Way Program
Cycling is a great way to do errands, get to work or just to have fun. Instead of getting stuck in traffic, consider riding your bike for trips three kilometres or less.
Did you know that cycling:
- Is three times faster than walking, uses the same amount of energy 2 and is the fastest mode of transportation for distances up to five kilometres 3?
- Reduces your transportation and vehicle-maintenance costs? The annual operating cost of a bike is just 2.5 per cent that of a car 4
- Is environmentally friendly? It conserves energy and produces no air pollution, greenhouse gas or noise.
- Helps maintain a healthy weight, prevent chronic diseases and improves physical stamina?
Key resources …
Biking to Work pamphlet
Going somewhere? Go cycling! pamphlet
York Region Cycling
York Region Community and Health Services – Bicycle and Helmet Safety
The walkability and bikability of the community increases when:
- The community has grocery stores, shops, community centres, parks, restaurants, etc. that are within walking distance
- Reduced speed and barriers are used on roads to calm traffic
- Sidewalks are well maintained, well lit, and clear of snow and ice in the winter
- Bike paths with signs, markings, bike traffic lights and parking facilities are in place
- There are parks and trails for recreational walking and cycling
Public TransitPublic Transit saves travel costs by 50 to 70%. One busload of people can take up to 40 cars off the road, save 70,000 litres of fuel and conserve energy.5 Get some exercise in by walking or biking during the first and last part of the public transit journey. Take York Region Transit/VIVA when going to places within York Region or take GO Transit when going to places in the Greater Toronto area.
Key resources …
York Region Transit/VIVA
GO Transit
Carpooling is an alternative to active transportation. Smart Commute, a program of Metrolinx and the municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, can help workplaces and commuters explore cheaper and more enjoyable commute choices that ease congestion, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Smart Commute can help you find carpool matches at the carpoolzone.
Key resources …
Smart Commute
Travel Actively to School
Instead of driving your children to school, consider Active & Safe Routes to School (ASRTS). This is a community-based initiative that promotes active transportation for the daily trip to school and addresses physical activity and traffic safety issues while taking action on air pollution and climate change.
Before You Leave the Car at Home…
Before starting on any active mode of transportation, it is important to:
- Check with your doctor to make sure you have no health risks related to an increased level of physical activity
- Have well-fit and comfortable walking shoes and/or equipment in working and safe condition
- Always wear protective gear such as a helmet and elbow/knee pads when cycling or rollerblading
- Drink plenty of fluids and use sun protection especially if outdoors for a long period
- Be aware of the rules of the road and watch for hazards
