Transportation and public health
What we know
Transportation affects the health of people, the environment, and the economy. Safe, convenient, and affordable options help people get where they need to go.
Why this is important
Equitable transportation options are important for supporting healthy communities. All people need, but many do not have, safe, convenient, and affordable transportation options. This may include populations with concentrations of lower incomes, Communities of Color, the elderly, and rural populations. Equitable transportation systems assure that everyone can connect to what they need to live a healthy life.
What we’re doing
- Using a Complete Streets approach on all state highway construction projects
- Leading a pilot Equity and Health Assessment as part of the Environmental Impact Study for the Highway 252/I-94 project in Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis
- Conducting health and transportation research to develop our approach to prioritizing public health in transportation decision-making
- Collaborating with public health partners to connect public health and transportation, such as the Healthy Minnesota Partnership and the Minnesota State Suicide Prevention Task Force.