Active Transport

What is active transport?

Active transport is defined as the practice of travelling from one place to another through physical activity, mainly walking or cycling, instead of relying on motorised vehicles.

In recent decades, lifestyle changes and car dependency have significantly reduced opportunities for movement. This situation has increased sedentary behaviour and contributed to the rising incidence of chronic and non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, which already account for 80% of health problems in Europe.

By making everyday journeys on foot or by bike, it is already possible to reach the daily minutes of physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this way, active transport is an effective and sustainable tool to integrate physical activity into daily routines.

Health benefits of active transport

Regular practice of active transport not only improves physical condition (such as endurance and aerobic capacity), but also helps regulate blood pressure, maintain blood lipid levels and promote mental health. Walking or cycling regularly helps reduce stress and improve mood, while also offering opportunities for social contact in public spaces.

According to WHO, active commuting is associated with an approximate 10% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and a 30% reduction in the risk of type 2 diabetes. Likewise, cancer-related mortality is 30% lower among those who regularly make their daily trips by bicycle. This evidence is particularly relevant in regions with high prevalence of overweight and obesity, where physical inactivity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases.

A concrete example is this ISGlobal study based on six European cities (Barcelona, Basel, Copenhagen, Paris, Prague and Warsaw), which estimated that increasing bicycle use to 35% of journeys could prevent between 37 (Barcelona) and 113 (Warsaw) annual deaths, as well as reduce between 1,139 and 26,423 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. Another study across 17 countries concluded that a widespread shift towards cycling for urban transport (replacing cars) could prevent up to 205,424 premature deaths annually.

Other benefits, such as environmental ones

Active transport not only provides advantages for individual health, but is also key to tackling current environmental challenges. To address the climate and air pollution crises, it is necessary to reduce motorised transport emissions, particularly from private cars. By using fewer motor vehicles and more active transport, the carbon footprint is reduced.

Reducing the number of cars means less noise and air pollution, which supports respiratory health and improves quality of life in cities. Additional benefits extend to other sectors, such as the economy and urban mobility.

The role of urban design in active transport

To promote active transport, it is necessary to combine individual initiatives with public policies. At an individual level, it is advisable to plan walkable or cyclable routes. For longer distances, it is possible to combine active transport with public transport, as this usually also involves moderate physical activity at the start and end of the journey.

However, choosing to travel actively is not only a personal decision. The way urban environments and transport networks are designed can strongly encourage or hinder active travel. Cities play a key role in promoting this habit through the creation of cycle lanes, secure bicycle parking, wide pavements and pedestrian zones, as well as by investing in public transport.