External link: http://www.planning.dot.gov/documents/Volpe_FHWA_MPOHealth_12122012.pdf

Publication date: December 10, 2012

Capsule summary: This white paper outlines a framework for MPOs to consider public health as an element of transportation planning.

Author(s): Lyons, William; Peckett, Haley; Morse, Lindsey; Khurana, Monisha; Nash, Logan

Publisher(s): FHWA

Definition: Examining the public health impacts of transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-themes/public-health
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:TTus
TRT Search Results Page: http://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ttus

Definition: Planning practices for pedestrians, bikes and transit
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/bikeped/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Aex
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Aex

Definition: Financial strategies and techniques for transportation planning
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/research-theme/financial-strategies/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Cf
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Cf

Definitions: The movement of people
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ajp
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ajp

Definitions: Transportation on foot
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/mode/personal/pedestrian/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://trid.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Mwx
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Mwx

Definition: A federally funded transportation policy-making organization, comprised of local government representatives and transportation authorities
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/mpo/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Nggks
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Nggks

Definition: Governmental agency focused on transportation
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/dot/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Nggj
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Nggj

Definition: Administrative subdivision of a state
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/county/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ngdhc
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ngdhc

Definition: A large urban area
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/org/city/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: https://pubsindex.trb.org/results.aspx?tc=NN:Ngdhs
TRT Search Results Page: https://trt.trb.org/trt.asp?NN=Ngdhs

Definition: Report published by a governmental body or other organization (e.g. FHWA, NAS, etc.)
Digest Search Results Page: https://www.planningdigest.com/resource-type/report/
Corresponding TRID/TRT Terms
TRID Search Results Page: n/a
TRT Search Results Page: n/a

Description: The implications of transportation for human health range from harmful effects of air pollution to increased physical activity through use of non-motorized vehicles. This white paper offers strategies for MPOs to consider public health measures in the context of transportation planning in order to build a healthier community. The research developed a framework for practitioners to use to incorporate health into transportation planning through a holistic approach.

Objectives: The objective of this research was to develop a public health planning framework for MPOs, in the context of transportation. The research reviewed case studies of the practices of four leading MPOs, and identified common themes and best practices. The paper presents a holistic approach to community health, taking into account important external health factors such as transportation network components. Areas of focus of the approach are active transportation, safety, air pollution, and access to opportunities for healthy lifestyles.

Findings: The research identified many avenues used for development among the MPOs reviewed, and several components of planning processes were common. Successful communities often formed partnerships with other organizations, leveraged federal funding, built their internal capacity for assessment, employed strategies for community education, and applied an incremental approach to development to expand a reliable set of practices while fulfilling transportation goals.

Recommendations: In order to use the findings of the research effectively, MPOs may choose to develop trainings as well as resources for sharing information and best practices. An understanding of community health in the context of transportation can help practitioners to plan effectively for all members of their community, and to integrate a holistic approach to community health.

Research Theme: Financial Strategies, Planning for Pedestrians, Bikes, and Transit, Public Health

Community Type:

Transportation Mode: Pedestrian, Personal

Planning Scope:

Organization Type: City, County, DOT, MPO or RPO

Planning Subject: Facility or Land Use, Forecasting, Planning Methods, Transportation Planning