Health economic assessment tools (HEAT) for walking and for cycling. Methodology and user guide. Economic assessment of transport infrastructure and policies

The promotion of cycling and walking for everyday physical activity not only promotes health but can also have positive effects on the environment.

This booklet summarizes the tools and guidance developed to facilitate this shift: the methodology for the economic assessment of transport infrastructure and policies in relation to the health effects of walking and cycling; systematic reviews of the economic and health literature; and guidance on applying the health economic assessment tools and the principles underlying it.

This methodology and user guide will be of key interest to professionals at both national and local levels: transport planners, traffic engineers, and special interest groups working on transport, walking, cycling or the environment, as well as health economists, physical activity experts and health promotion experts.

This publication arises from the project PHAN, which has received funding from the European Union in the framework of the Health Programme 2008–2013 (Grant agreement 2009 52 02). The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

The development of HEAT for walking and cycling was supported by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, the Swedish Expertise Fund and a consortium of donors from the United Kingdom under the leadership of Natural England.