How the Covid-19 pandemic has drawn attention to the issue of active mobility and co-benefits in Latin American cities

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the fore many issues that will impact public health for years to come –one such impact is on the nexus between transportation and health. Promoting safe, active transport is an activity that has many physical and mental health benefits. During lockdowns, many cities in Latin America imposed infrastructural and legislative changes in order to abide with public health and social mea­sures to reduce virus spread. These ranged from additional bike lanes to reduced speed limits or incentives to purchase bicycles. These cities showed reduced motorized transport, improved air quality and increased active transport, all of which have multiple health and equity benefits. As countries “build back better”, promoting active transport offers the most value for investment and improves health and well-being while continuing to offer social distancing. Quantified case studies are needed to have a more comprehensive under­standing of the impact of active transport in various contexts.

Keywords

• walking
• cycling
• road safety
• noncommunicable diseases