CU Denver study shows public health often ignored in transportation policy

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-06/uocd-cds060214.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 2-Jun-2014
Contact: David Kelly
University of Colorado Denver
CU Denver study shows public health often ignored in transportation policy

Major roads built in poorest neighborhoods

DENVER (June 2, 2014) – A new study from the University of Colorado Denver shows public health issues are often ignored in many transportation projects, especially when major roads are built through lower-income neighborhoods.

Air pollution, crime and numerous traffic hazards, the study said, point to a serious and persistent gap between public health and planning.

"The public health effects of heavy traffic are broad," said study author Carolyn McAndrews, PhD, assistant professor at the CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning, one of the largest schools of its kind in the U.S. "Studies have found associations between high-traffic roads and high mortality rates, lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, poor birth outcomes and traffic-related injuries."

McAndrews said that since many neighborhoods along these major roads tend to be non-white and poor, it was time to start viewing this as a social justice issue.

"In my classes I encourage future transportation planners to think of ways planning can improve community health," she said. "This is something that designers love to do if you give them the chance."

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