Miljøtema, 25 – Roads to Healthier Traffic

Roads to Healthier Traffic

Cars are comfortable

In the last three decades the number of private cars has increased considerably. And the number of pedestrians and cyclists has fallen. Distances between home, job and shopping centres have increased, and this is one of the reasons why more and more people go by car. In addition, many Danes prefer the car because it is comfortable and makes everyday life easier when taking and fetching children and when shopping.

This development is furthered by the fact that in recent years the Danes have more money to spend on consumption, leaving more money to buy also a car and a house. Moreover, family patterns have changed, and in more families both parents are employed outside the home.

man in car

Photo: BAM

Green road users

Many Danes are very aware of health and the environment, for instance by saving energy and water, and by choosing organic products. When it comes to transport, the environmental consciousness can be comprised in the words: green road users. The green road user will take the bike or walk for short trips, he will focus on energy when driving, he will buy an environmentally sound car or use public transport whenever possible.

Physical exercise is good for health

When you go by bike instead of by car, it is good for your health. When you choose the comfortable means of transport, it affects your health negatively. A problem throughout the industrialised countries is that many people do not get enough exercise in their daily life.

Lack of exercise affects health

Exercise strengthens the heart and circulation, and, thus, prevents heart and circulatory disorders such as hardening of the arteries, increased blood pressure and blood clots.

If you do not get enough exercise you run a greater risk of becoming over- weight and having some of the illnesses related to obesity, for instance diabetes. Exercise also affects your bones and immune system. What is more, physical activity has a positive effect on your mental wellbeing – people who are physically active suffer less from stress, anxiety and depression.

By the same token, persons who do not get enough exercise run the same risk of having blood clots in the heart as do smokers. A Danish study shows that regular physical activity during leisure time increases life expectancy. All age groups benefit from regular exercise.

bikers in open landscape

Photo: Scanpix