Compelling scientifi c evidence suggests that physical activity is an important lifestyle
component for good health.1 Public health authorities emphasize the need for
physical activity of at least moderate intensity for at least 30 min on most days of
the week.2 From the public health perspective, utilitarian daily physical activities
such as walking and cycling are potentially important forms of physical activity
for large segments of the population.3-6 Data from 10 European countries show that
many car trips are quite short. A change from car to non-motorized transport for
trips shorter than 5 km could replace half of all car trips in many European cities.7
An American study showed that if retail shops are within 300 feet (about 90 m)
from oneʼs residence, people are more likely to walk or bicycle to work.8 These
observations suggest that given favorable environmental conditions, walking and
cycling of short distances could increase substantially.