Abstracts

Developing a new consensus for physical activity in England: Evidence of the growing convergence of transport and public health policies

by Adrian L. Davis

The recent consensus within physical education research that moderate physical activity should be (re)integrated into the routines of daily living has shifted the focus away from a traditional sports and exercise bias. This has come about largely as a result of new medical evidence and an understanding that the greatest public health benefit is to be achieved through increasing activity levels among those most sedentary. This change could strengthen recent efforts within the transport sector, which now includes a National Cycling Strategy, to promote cycling and a forthcoming walking strategy as environmentally sustainable modes of transport. This paper charts recent developments in the public health and physical activity sectors to illustrate how health and transport concerns are leading to a convergence of public policy goals. However, key to this are new ways of thinking and working, requiring broad intersectoral alliances.

A Wish called Wander: Reclaiming Automobility from the Motor Car

by Ian Ker & Paul Tranter

Argues that in pursuit of a specific kind of "automobility" we have unwittingly reduced the independent mobility of many people in the community, including the elderly, the disabled, women and children. Discusses alternative understandings of the term automobility. Argues that the current dominant use (or misuse) of the term has facilitated the acceptance of the view that cars provide freedom. The mythical nature of this viewpoint is explored.

Freedom of movement for women: Feminist approaches to traffic reduction and a more ecological transport science

by Gabi Zauke and Meike Spitzner

This paper is based on the thoughts, work and discussions of the German network Frauen in Bewegung (Women in Motion). There is a gender imbalance in transport planning. More women must be involved in planning, and the needs of women must be addressed, if we are to achieve a sustainable society.

Is telecommuting a panacea for urban transport ills? An Australian perspective

by Dr Laurence Knight

Urban transport provides society with a range of benefits, but it also generates serious problems in the form of air and noise pollution, traffic accidents and congestion. Attempts to solve these problems through conventional means have achieved limited success. An alternative approach (promoted by information technology corporations) is for people to satisfy their needs without travelling - in the case of employment - by telecommuting. This paper examines the context in which the discussion about telecommuting is taking place, as well as recent data on the uptake of telecommuting. Coming from an Australian perspective, the paper argues that while telecommuting will not provide a stand-alone solution, it has the potential to influence travel distances in its own right, and (more importantly) enhance the effectiveness of other policy mechanisms.

Local Agenda 21, sustainability, and British policy on foodstore location - a case study

by Alan G. Hallsworth, Rodney Tolley & Colin Black

The growth of out-of-town and edge-of-town superstores in Britain has had an adverse effect on the vitality & viability of traditional, long established retail centres. The dilemma facing many of these centres is whether a superstore in the town would increase business and induce a trickle down improvement to existing retailers.

Trunk Roads and the Generation of Traffic: the SACTRA report and associated Government guidance - What does it mean and does it matter?

by Keith Buchan

A government study into traffic growth on major roads and motorways in the UK was published in December 1994 by the Standing Advisory Committee on Trunk Road Assesment ("SACTRA"). The government's formal response and an accompanying guidance note to road planners were published at the same time. This article, first written in pamphlet form in early 1995, surveys these three key documents and explains the substantial changes in appraisal methodology that should arise from them.

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