“
Inspiration for the use of urban design to promote physical activity and healthy diets in the WHO European Region
…
COVID-19 pushed health and environmental issues to the centre of cities’ agendas, including changing traditional public spaces for people to move around. Many cities took advantage of the pandemic to alter urban transport and mobility, manage the increased production of waste, ensure access to urban nature and green spaces (linked directly to physical activity and mental health) and improve housing and indoor conditions. The pandemic led to a drastic increase in cycling and walking, which required cities to rapidly adapt, manage and provide measures to protect people’s safety, ensure adequate space to prevent infections and keep them physically active.
Cities must increase urban resilience, address systemic failures and reduce inequality as part of
a healthy, sustainable recovery plan. They can begin by consolidating the lessons learnt during lockdowns, rethink urban and transport planning (better location and distribution of the public space) and reconsider the value of urban nature and green and blue spaces. Active mobility should be the cornerstone of sustainable urban development and resilience. Possible interventions include policies and financial instruments to ensure safe infrastructure, facilitate mobility and teleworking, flexible timetables to reduce “peak hours” occupancy of public transport, home deliveries and access to nearby services, goods and amenities. WHO supports these efforts through its “Manifesto for a healthy recovery from COVID-19”, which reflects the momentum for improving the environment and health in cities.
A flexible, context-specific approach is necessary because of the diversity of countries in the WHO European Region in terms of environment and health, political priorities, means and capacity.
“
posts
