TY - JOUR
T1 - The influence of urban land-use and public transport facilities on active commuting in Wellington, New Zealand
T2 - Active transport forecasting using the WILUTE model
AU - Mackenbach, Joreintje Dingena
AU - Randal, Edward
AU - Zhao, Pengjun
AU - Howden-Chapman, Philippa
PY - 2016/3/1
Y1 - 2016/3/1
N2 - Physical activity has numerous physical and mental health benefits, and active commuting (walking or cycling to work) can help meet physical activity recommendations. This study investigated socioeconomic differences in active commuting, and assessed the impact of urban land-use and public transport policies on active commuting in the Wellington region in New Zealand. We combined data from the New Zealand Household Travel Survey and GIS data on land-use and public transport facilities with the Wellington Integrated Land-Use, Transportation and Environment (WILUTE) model, and forecasted changes in active commuter trips associated with changes in the built environment. Results indicated high income individuals were more likely to commute actively than individuals on low income. Several land-use and transportation factors were associated with active commuting and results from the modelling showed a potential increase in active commuting following an increase in bus frequency and parking fees. In conclusion, regional level policies stimulating environmental factors that directly or indirectly affect active commuting may be a promising strategy to increase population level physical activity. Access to, and frequency of, public transport in the neighbourhood can act as a facilitator for a more active lifestyle among its residents without negatively affecting disadvantaged groups.
AB - Physical activity has numerous physical and mental health benefits, and active commuting (walking or cycling to work) can help meet physical activity recommendations. This study investigated socioeconomic differences in active commuting, and assessed the impact of urban land-use and public transport policies on active commuting in the Wellington region in New Zealand. We combined data from the New Zealand Household Travel Survey and GIS data on land-use and public transport facilities with the Wellington Integrated Land-Use, Transportation and Environment (WILUTE) model, and forecasted changes in active commuter trips associated with changes in the built environment. Results indicated high income individuals were more likely to commute actively than individuals on low income. Several land-use and transportation factors were associated with active commuting and results from the modelling showed a potential increase in active commuting following an increase in bus frequency and parking fees. In conclusion, regional level policies stimulating environmental factors that directly or indirectly affect active commuting may be a promising strategy to increase population level physical activity. Access to, and frequency of, public transport in the neighbourhood can act as a facilitator for a more active lifestyle among its residents without negatively affecting disadvantaged groups.
KW - active commuting
KW - built environment
KW - forecasting
KW - physical activity
KW - transport policy
UR - https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84961938294&origin=inward
U2 - https://doi.org/10.3390/su8030242
DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/su8030242
M3 - Article
SN - 2071-1050
VL - 8
JO - Sustainability
JF - Sustainability
IS - 3
M1 - 242
ER -