Can a nation switch gears? Study correlates walking, cycling and obesity levels

According to a newspaper report: "A Rutgers transportation expert says the United States could solve part of its obesity problem by making it easier for people to bike or walk where they need to go. John Pucher analyzed data from 15 countries, 50 states and 47 of the nation's largest cities for a relationship between 'active travel' — the kind that doesn't rely upon motorized vehicles — and health.

"The report continues: "Not surprisingly, he found that communities where people cycle and walk more in daily life have less obesity and diabetes than those where people rely on cars to get around. That was true at all three geographic levels, he said in a study called 'Walking and Cycling to Health: A Comparative Analysis of City, State and International Data.' "