Hi hi y'all!
In thinking about transportation in my hometown of Fresno, I am very much aware of the health risk that automobiles contribute to physical health of members in the community. Because the city of Fresno is built to be spread out, community members often find it normal to travel across town for shopping, errands, and appointments. While there is a public transportation system in Fresno, most people use automobiles to travel within the community. Combined with the pollutants being released into the air in Fresno by manufacturers in the area (as discussed in my previous blog post, "Air Pollution!"), transportation pollution creates an even more serious problem for community members' health. In addition to increasing air pollution, Fresno's layout and weather make it difficult for community members to practice sufficient physical activity. The average distance between my home and errands is ~10 miles, which isn't walkable. One might consider using a bicycle, but 110°F weather in the summer will easily dissuade one from doing so. When I think about transportation concerns in Fresno, I'm not really sure I see an answer to the issues presented. As a public health professional, I find it important to advocate for policy within the community that addresses these concerns as often as possible.
In thinking about transportation in my hometown of Fresno, I am very much aware of the health risk that automobiles contribute to physical health of members in the community. Because the city of Fresno is built to be spread out, community members often find it normal to travel across town for shopping, errands, and appointments. While there is a public transportation system in Fresno, most people use automobiles to travel within the community. Combined with the pollutants being released into the air in Fresno by manufacturers in the area (as discussed in my previous blog post, "Air Pollution!"), transportation pollution creates an even more serious problem for community members' health. In addition to increasing air pollution, Fresno's layout and weather make it difficult for community members to practice sufficient physical activity. The average distance between my home and errands is ~10 miles, which isn't walkable. One might consider using a bicycle, but 110°F weather in the summer will easily dissuade one from doing so. When I think about transportation concerns in Fresno, I'm not really sure I see an answer to the issues presented. As a public health professional, I find it important to advocate for policy within the community that addresses these concerns as often as possible.
Great point about how heat plays a big factor in a community and the way in which people get around and use transportation. It is the same in SoCal. I remember a time where I thought it would fun to take the train and bus around LA and the heat exhaustion was so real, I had to call an uber. I think it is important to advocate for policy that improves transportation in communities that need such assistance.
ReplyDeleteAlso we need to advocate for our public officials to be more cognizant about city planning in general. Like why are you located 10 miles from your shopping center, is there a way to remediate this issue and what about adding in nice walking paths to get from rural areas to more communal shopping spaces.
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