Tools and evidence to create change

There are emerging tools that are designed specifically to create change in how we plan and develop transport and mobility.

THAT-Melbourne

In the video, Mel and Lucy discuss the new Transport Health Assessment Tool for Melbourne (THAT-Melbourne) which calculates the health benefits that come from swapping car trips with walking, cycling or a combination of both.

Design and development of the tool

The tool was designed to increase our understanding of the implications and impact that transport modes have on health. Although the website and scenario testing looks quite simple, results are based on complex modelling to calculate the health benefits.

The tool was developed in partnership with policymakers interested in understanding the health and economic impacts of active transport and captures increases in physical activity based on active transport with simulated health outcomes using Health-Adjusted Life Years (HALYs).

The tool was designed for government, policymakers and urban dwellers to measure health impacts associated with increased physical activity due to replacing short car trips under 10km by walking and cycling in Melbourne. These health impacts are assessed through 20 different scenarios.

Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT)

A similar tool developed by the WHO called the Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) estimates the value of reduced mortality from walking and cycling.

Both the HEAT and THAT-Melbourne tools facilitate evidence-based decision making important for planning healthy and liveable cities.

Your Task

Do you know of any other tools for creating change in how we plan and develop transport and mobility? Briefly describe their role, function and usability.

By adding to the comments section below you will be able to learn from each other.