The 2019 Conference on Health and Active Transportation: Research Needs and Opportunities

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Transportation Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Active transportation (AT) is crucial for physical activity, health, and reducing emissions.
• Progress in AT has stalled, and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted existing barriers and inequities.
• The Conference on Health and Active Transportation (CHAT) convened experts to address these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline research needs and opportunities for advancing active transportation.
• To present a conceptual model for overcoming AT infrastructure barriers.
• To discuss the relevance of these findings in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

• The study synthesized conclusions from the CHAT conference, focusing on the 'Research Needs and Opportunities' theme.
• A conceptual model was developed integrating economic, technological, policy, inclusivity, and communication factors.
• Discussions considered pandemic-related impacts on AT.

Main Results:

• Key research areas include economic and systems analysis, evaluation of new technologies and policies, and addressing disparities.
• Inclusivity, equity, and effective communication strategies are vital for AT infrastructure development and use.
• Specific research gaps were identified across these themes.

Conclusions:

• Renewed research, dissemination, and implementation efforts are essential for realizing AT's health and environmental benefits.
• Addressing identified research gaps can help overcome barriers to AT infrastructure.
• Strategies must consider pandemic-induced changes to maximize positive outcomes and mitigate negative ones.