The benefits of sustainable mobility
The aim of sustainable mobility is to combine people's need to get around with a reduction in the environmental impact of different means of transport. Soft mobility encompasses environmentally-friendly modes of transport such as walking, cycling, public transport and electric vehicles. Adopting these modes of transport offers numerous advantages, both physically and mentally, as well as ecologically.
Different modes of soft and sustainable mobility
Soft mobility encompasses a variety of modes of transport that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial to health. Here are just a few examples:
- Walking: accessible and ideal for short trips
- Bicycles (electric or otherwise): perfect for short- to medium-distance journeys
- Scooters (electric or otherwise): practical for fast urban travel
- Skateboards and rollerblades: get around town quickly
- Public transport (metro, bus, train, streetcar, etc.): soft mobility options when used in place of private vehicles.
- Electric vehicles (cars, scooters and bicycles) : reduce CO2 emissions compared with combustion vehicles
Physical benefits of soft mobility
1. Improved physical condition
Walking and cycling are excellent ways to stay active. They help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and increase endurance. What's more, they're gentle on the joints, making them accessible to all ages.
2. Reducing the risk of chronic diseases
Regular physical activity, such as walking or cycling, helps prevent chronic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
3. Weight management and obesity prevention
By incorporating walking or cycling into your daily routine, it's easier to maintain a healthy weight and avoid overweight and obesity.
Mental benefits of soft mobility
1. Stress and anxiety reduction
Moving outdoors or into town, away from the stress of traffic jams and car noise, helps you relax and reduce anxiety.
2. Improved mood and mental well-being
Physical activity releases endorphins, the happy hormones, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
3. Cognitive stimulation and memory enhancement
Walking and cycling stimulate blood flow, including to the brain, which can improve concentration and memory. Indeed, studies show that regular exercise promotes neuronal connectivity and increases levels of growth factors in the brain, contributing to better cerebral plasticity. These activities can also slow age-related cognitive decline, offering lasting benefits for mental health.
Ecological benefits of soft mobility
1. Reducing CO2 emissions
By opting for non-motorized or electric modes of transport, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to the fight against climate change.
2. Reduced air pollution
Fewer cars on the road means less air pollution, which improves air quality and reduces the risk of respiratory illnesses.
3. Preserving natural resources
Soft mobility reduces dependence on fossil fuels and encourages the use of renewable energy sources.
SPART for the promotion of soft mobility
SPART encourages your employees to adopt soft mobility by promoting the use of environmentally-friendly modes of transport such as walking and cycling, thus contributing to their physical and mental well-being while reducing the company's carbon footprint.
Not only does soft mobility improve our physical and mental health, it also helps protect our planet. By choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport, we are taking a step towards a healthier, more sustainable future.
Have you already integrated some of these modes of transport into your daily life? 🚶♂️🚴♀️🌍
By Candice Lhomme