HEALTHY PEOPLE, ENVIRONMENTS AND COMMUNITIES

Research has shown that the process of urbanization is linked to the incidence of chronic diseases, and that the physical and social environment in which people live has a direct influence towards many types of health problems. The qualities of living environments have a broader influence on health than human behavior (World Health Organization, 1997).

As a result of Hong Kong’s historic urban planning methods, most new town plans are car-oriented, resulting in reduced possibilities to incorporate active and healthy forms of transport such as walking and cycling into everyday life. To improve opportunities for a shift towards these types of connectivity, both new and existing cities will need to make significant changes to their planning and prioritization assumptions. To include walking as part of a comprehensive urban policy could result in more vibrant, safe, sustainable, and healthy cities. In Hong Kong, only 57% of pedestrians are satisfied with the walking environment (Luo, 2012). A reduction of motorised transport results in less carbon emissions, decreased resource consumption and better local environments, as the reduced of cars and parking spaces leads to more and safer pedestrian spaces, and reduced pollution.

A focus on promoting healthy activities and mobility would also improve the social function of urban space. Its role as a meeting place can support social sustainability, as pedestrian oriented neighbourhoods promote local the economy.