From 'car-dependency' to 'desirable walking'-15 years trend in policy relevant public health indicators derived from Household Travel Surveys

The adjusted yearly decline in the prevalence of CD was small (0.3%) but significant, from 40.3% (95% CI: 39.6 − 41.1) in 2000/3 to 39.3% (38.1-40.1) in 2012/14. DW remained unchanged, from 20.6% (95% CI: 20.0; 21.2) to 21.2% (95%CI: 20.6-21.9). The CD/DW prevalence ratio varied greatly by distance from Sydney city, with medians ratios 0.86, 1.86 and 3.25 in short, medium and long distance categories, respectively, and by demographic sub-group (range from 0.64 to 2.67). The yearly prevalence ratios of CD/DW presented a declining trend from 1.42 to 1.13, after adjustment for population demographic characteristics. Across all periods 21% travelled by car for≤1.5kms, of those travellers 44% were car dependent. These indicators can serve both transportation and health sectors wherever transport surveys exist, for benchmarking, monitoring and setting area- specific goals that are aligned with public health and transport policies.