Fewer breathing and heart problems - Motor vehicles are a major source of air pollution in Toronto. Vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to the 1,700 premature deaths and 6,000 hospitalizations attributable each year to air pollution in the city. - The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the health risks from air pollution can be up to 50% greater for people who live or work near busy traffic corridors compared with lower traffic areas. - Exposure to air pollution from vehicles is linked to many health problems, including more asthma symptoms, reduced lung function, acute bronchitis, hospitalization for respiratory and cardiac problems, cancer and reduced life expectancy. - Reductions in traffic volume are linked to improved health. Reduced vehicle traffic in Atlanta Georgia during the 1996 summer Olympics was linked with fewer children requiring medical attention for asthma during this time. Increased physical activity - People who are physically active are less likely to experience heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, colon cancer or diabetes than those who are inactive. - Only about 1 in 3 Toronto residents are sufficiently physically active. - Neighbourhoods with low levels of road traffic, generous sidewalks, ample bike paths and proximity to parks or playgrounds enable physical activity. - The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the most effective way to increase physical activity is to promote walking and cycling for trips shorter than 5 kilometres. Reduced traffic injuries - During the 10-year period from 1995 to 2005, there were 66,000 traffic-related injuries and 75 deaths per year, on average, among Toronto’s drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. - Traffic fatality rates tend to decline as transit ridership increases in the community. This trend is attributed to several factors: reduced distance travelled by car when efficient public transit is available; lower average speeds in high-density areas; and reduced driving by high-risk motorists such as teenagers and impaired drivers because public transit is available. - The severity of traffic injuries is related to traffic speed. More pedestrians experience serious injury or death in higher speed zones than lower speed zones. The risk of injury to child pedestrians is related to traffic volume. More children are injured in high-traffic areas than lower traffic areas. Reduced stress and improved quality of life - Efficient public transit, bike paths, safe walkways, ride-sharing systems and traffic calming measures improve quality of life and liveability of neighbourhoods. - Traffic congestion creates stress for commuters, impairs work performance, and can lead to aggressive driving behaviour that increases the likelihood of collisions. - Traffic noise can lead to irritability, sleeplessness and depression. - Communities characterized by urban sprawl and dependence upon cars experience less opportunities and time for social interaction, leading to social isolation. - Transportation systems designed primarily around motor vehicles can limit opportunities for employment, access to services, and social interaction among those who do not drive or can not afford cars. Source
