29 January 2010
DOYLE'S 'ROAD TO DAMASCUS' GOOD
FOR HEALTH, SAYS HEART FOUNDATION
The Heart Foundation has hailed Lord Mayor Robert Doyle's plan to revitalise
Swanston Street and encourage walking and cycling as a victory for health.
"Robert Doyle's 'road to Damascus' will help to revitalise Swanston Street and is good
for the health of all those who live, work and visit the city," said Heart Foundation
(Victoria) CEO, Kathy Bell.
"The new design for Swanston Street represents a model of healthy urban planning
by improving opportunities for walking and cycling. The Heart Foundation
congratulates the Lord Mayor for taking this and public opinion into account," said
Ms Bell.
“More than half (54.9%) of the Victorian population is overweight or obese, yet only
one-third of Victorians undertake enough physical activity for good health¹,”
said Ms Bell
“As health costs rise, we need to look for ways to prevent poor health. Getting out of
the car, using public transport and walking or cycling are important ways to improve
health.
"Just as more roads and freeways lead to greater traffic congestion, creating options
for walking and cycling will help more people to be more active more often. Robert
Doyle’s plan will empower people to increase daily physical activity levels which, in
turn, benefits the health of the community.
“Good urban design makes it easier for the community to be physically active. It
should put health first. Swanston Street is an important step along this path,”
said Ms Bell.
Heart Foundation: Australia's leading voice on heart health, the Heart Foundation saves lives
and improves health through funding world class cardiovascular research, guidelines for health
professionals, informing the public and assisting people with cardiovascular disease. As a
charity, the Heart Foundation relies on donations and gifts in Wills to continue its lifesaving
research, education and health promotion work.
For information contact:
Siobhan O Neill, Media and Communications Manager, Heart Foundation (Victoria)
T: (03) 9321 1536 / M: 0418 171 527 / E: siobhan.oneill@heartfoundation.org.au
1
Australian Bureau of Statistics, National Health Survey 2007/08, (4364.0), May 2009.
NEWS 
