Active transport in NSW

Active transport refers to physical activity that involves walking or cycling to or from a destination, as well as walking and cycling to or from public transport stops.

Active transport can help increase physical activity levels and can play a major role in addressing chronic disease, traffic safety and congestion, air pollution, and climate change.

Regular physical activity can help people feel and function better while also lowering their risk of disease and the burden of disease on the population over the course of a lifetime.

Physical inactivity is a major public health challenge

In Australia, physical inactivity is a leading preventable cause of ill health and premature death. In 2024, physical inactivity contributed to 4.5% of total deaths in Australia (AIHW 2024).

In 2023, 65% of adults in NSW were sufficiently physically active (NSW Population Health Survey).

NSW Active Transport Health Model

The NSW Active Transport Health Model provides an evidence-based method for assessing the health impacts of active transport. Standardised economic and social reference outcome values produced by the Model can be used by practitioners to calculate the costs and benefits of active transport initiatives across state and local government projects.

Based on current NSW and Australian population data, validated research and case studies, the Model provides robust reference outcome values that make it easy to demonstrate the potential health benefits of active transport infrastructure initiatives to key stakeholders.

  • All physical activity is beneficial. Even small increases in physical activity can lead to health benefits, particularly for older adults and people who are currently inactive, or not sufficiently active.

    Walking, cycling and other forms of active transport can help people to be more physically active as part of their everyday routine.

    Physical activity offers proven and significant benefits to the population:

    • Reduced risk of chronic diseases

      • Regular walking or cycling has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and Type 2 diabetes. Being physically active also reduces the risk of becoming overweight or obese.

    • Improved mental health

      • Physical activity contributes to better mental wellbeing and reduction of anxiety and depression.

    • Longevity and quality of life

      • Increased physical activity through active transport may extend life expectancy and enhance quality of life in ageing populations.

  • The NSW Active Transport Health Model quantifies population health outcomes related to physical activity from active transport for a range of chronic diseases, all-cause mortality and mental health conditions, across the life course.

    The Model provides reference outcome values related to physical activity, air pollution and road trauma from walking, cycling (on and off-road) and walking to and from public transport, including the average economic return per kilometre of additional active transport, health adjusted life years (HALYs), life years added and health care costs overall and for a range of chronic diseases, all-cause mortality and mental health.

    The Model helps ensure consistent evaluations across government. Using a standardised, best practice method to model active transport health outcomes allows for cohesive policy and planning.

Use the reference outcome values

The NSW Active Transport Health Model User Guide provides information on the Model and the reference outcome values for use in cases such as:

  • Infrastructure planning and assessment
    Apply the reference outcome values to active transport infrastructure strategic business cases and cost-benefit analyses.
  • Policy development
    Use the reference outcome values to support transport, urban planning and health policy proposals.
  • Health impact assessments
    Use health-related reference data to promote community wellness programs or, as part of public health initiatives.
Download the NSW Active Transport Health Model User Guide

Participate in the evaluation

The NSW Ministry of Health will be evaluating how effectively the model and reference outcome values meet user needs. Your agency or organisation may be contacted to participate in the evaluation via an online survey, interview or via a case study. We would welcome your participation and feedback in this process.

Contact us

For further information on the NSW Active Transport Health Model and how to apply the reference outcome values to your project, please contact us at moh-active.transport@health.nsw.gov.au.

Current as at: Friday 14 February 2025
Contact page owner: Centre for Population Health