Identifying and removing barriers to cycling as a viable means of transportation in Houston, Texas

Andrea Chan, The University of Texas School of Public Health

Abstract

The citizens of Houston, Texas, spend much time commuting. It has repeatedly been named among the “Fattest Cities” by Men’s Fitness Magazine (The fittest and fattest cities in America – Men’s Fitness. ). Obesity is one of its major public health problems as Houstonians often do not engage in enough physical activity to help them maintain their ideal weights. The use of bicycles provides a healthy and ecological alternative to commuting by driving. However, because urban cyclists must often share the roads with motorized vehicles, cyclists are often exposed to high levels of emissions. As vulnerable users of the roadways, urban cyclists also face the threat of injury. Nevertheless, there are some programs that encourage the use of bicycles. Laws and ordinances not only reveal public policy relating to bicycling but are a means to develop policy which can encourage bicycling.

Subject Area

Public administration|Transportation planning

Recommended Citation

Chan, Andrea, "Identifying and removing barriers to cycling as a viable means of transportation in Houston, Texas" (2009). Texas Medical Center Dissertations (via ProQuest). AAI1462434.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dissertations/AAI1462434

Share

COinS