THREAD: Let's talk about agendas.

Throughout this pandemic, we have been guided, quite rightly, by our public health officials.

Most people understand the science and logic behind their advice, and they have communicated that to us so well.
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#publichealth #activetravel https://twitter.com/MaeveOConnellFG/status/1292149848590946304

So whose agenda is it when a local authority rolls out high-quality active travel infrastructure in a local community?

Is it the agenda of the WHO, advising people to walk and cycle where possible, to maintain their physical and mental health while keeping physical distance?
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Or possibly the National Transport Authority's agenda? since they recognise the huge reduction of capacity in public transport and the need for people to choose active travel over driving, given that the cost to Dublin of traffic congestion is estimated at €350m per year.
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Or perhaps it is the agenda of many health professionals across the country who recognise that we NEED those who can walk or cycle to choose to walk or cycle (by providing quality infrastructure), as our health system will continue to be under pressure during this pandemic?

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Because they know - and it is likely the agenda of anyone who knows - that there is extensive evidence of traffic emissions causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, negatively affecting the brain, increasing the risk of neurodegenerative disease. The science is there.
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It is likely the agenda of children with paediatric asthma, given that 1700 NEW cases EACH year in Ireland are caused by traffic emissions.

And those with compromised immune systems.

And the agenda of healthcare professionals tackling the effects of our obesity epidemic

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So if this agenda is one that pushes for better (and urgently needed) public health - let it be the agenda for every city, town and village in the country.

Well done to @dlrcc for seeing it through - your community's health depends on it. 7/7

#publichealth #qualityoflife