Daily Time in Transportation and Traffic by Urban Canadians

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Traffic is an ever-present issue in urban centers and exposure to traffic and traffic-related air pollution is associated with wide-ranging health effects. Results from the Canadian Human Activity Pattern Survey (CHAPS) 2 were used to evaluate daily time spent in transportation and traffic by urban Canadians. It was estimated that Canadians spend 4-7% of daily time in on- or near-road locations, mainly from time spent in a vehicle with smaller contributions from time spent in active transportation. Furthermore, when in a vehicle, 44-61% of the target population was in moderate to heavy traffic. In addition, 11-22% of the target population was in moderate to heavy traffic while engaged in active transportation. Over 60% of the target population reported living near a busy roadway, which varied with income level and city of residence. People living near major roadways also spent more daily time in the vicinity of moderate to heavy traffic. Over 55% of the target population ≤18 years reported attending a school or daycare in close proximity to a busy roadway, with little variation based on income level and city. Overall, these results indicate that urban Canadians spend a considerable amount of daily time in transportation and traffic-influenced microenvironments. Quantitative measures of time spent in these microenvironments provide support for initiatives or strategies designed to mitigate population exposure to traffic and traffic-related air pollution.