[In defense of walking and cycling as a means of transportation in Brazil].

Abstract

This essay aims to discuss walking and cycling as a means of transportation for the Brazilian population. Scientific evidence (mainly from high-income countries) shows their contributions to people's health, pointing out that these physical activities can constitute an important part of daily life and contribute to preventing diseases and to the health of municipalities by reducing air and noise pollution and the problems due to the excess of motor vehicles. We discuss the forms of measurement in national surveys and the new technologies that have been used. Trend analyses show a decrease in this type of physical activity in adults living in Brazilian capitals. However, analyzing walking and cycling together impairs interpretations and limits the study of factors associated with different types of commuting. We show that some Brazilian capitals are increasing their environmental structures, but population indicators show that groups of lower socioeconomic levels have less access to the. We discuss how much these activities are still practiced out of necessity - rather than out of choice - in Brazil due to transportation costs that remain high and unequal environments. However, most studies in Brazil being cross-sectional impairs the evaluation of possible effects on health and the influence of social variables and environmental changes on this behavior. New population surveys and longitudinal studies that support policies are essential to promote walking and cycling as a means of transportation.