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Credit: City of Sydney

Press release: City of Sydney

World leading environmentalist David Suzuki has called on Australian governments to make space for walking and cycling to combat sickness and reduce carbon emissions.

Speaking ahead of a visit to Australia, to speak at a City of Sydney City Talk, Dr Suzuki said walking should be regarded as a potent medicine.

“Long before there were machines to carry us around, we had to move on our own muscle power that’s built into our bodies — the best medicine we have is to move,” Dr Suzuki said.

“Cities should be places to serve people, not to serve vehicles. We squeeze people around cities like mad, in order to make space for cars.”

“These streets are for people. And that means predominantly pedestrians, people on bicycles, and people getting their exercise.”

Last year, a report supported by the NSW Division of the National Heart Foundation Australia found standing up more often reduced the chance of dying within three years, even for physically active people.

The study found adults who sat for 11 or more hours per day had a 40 per cent increased risk of dying in the next three years compared with those who sat for fewer than four hours a day. This was after taking into account their physical activity, weight and health status.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said inner city Sydney residents were choosing to walk or cycle on nearly half of their weekday trips.

“Across the world, cities that are thriving are increasingly the places that work for pedestrians and cyclists,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Our research shows that whether people travel into the city by public transport, car or bike, once they’re here virtually everyone walks.”

“We want to make sure Sydney works for everyone – and we’re working closely with the NSW Government to reduce traffic congestion and make getting around our city a more enjoyable experience.”

Dr Suzuki will address the topic, “Over the horizon, next step for cities and the world,” at the free City Talk hosted by the City of Sydney at the City Recital Hall on September 24.

Dr Suzuki’s City Talk is sponsored by Sungevity Australia, Sydney Water and the University of Sydney.

Tags: david suzuki, sydney