Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Public Health

Obama Adviser Proves it: Transportation Reform is Health Reform

Over the summer, Streetsblog Capitol Hill published a riff on the rhetorical stylings of White House budget director Peter Orszag that coined a new phrase: "Transportation reform is health reform."

The logic behind the principle stems from the health benefits of walking and biking, but also from the simple truth that fewer miles driven represents less air pollution -- and often, more time to spend on less sedentary pursuits.

As it happens, Orszag himself is living proof of transportation's connection to public health. He blogged today on the White House website about the "pedometer challenge" now going on at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which he heads, and included a video of OMB employees and their ped-loving boss (see above).

(h/t Ben Smith)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Thursday’s Headlines Are Charged Up for the Fourth

The Republican megabill is bad for the electric vehicle industry, but it could be worse.

July 3, 2025

Why is the Secretary of Transportation Begging Americans to Take More Road Trips?

Instead of making America easier to see on all modes, the US Department of Transportation is encouraging U.S. residents to just get in their cars and drive.

July 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Are for the Children

From mothers with babies in strollers to preteens on bikes, much of the U.S. is hostile to families just trying to get around without a car.

July 2, 2025

Ambulance Data Reveals That Boston Drivers Are 4 Times More Likely to Run Over Pedestrians From Black Neighborhoods

"Overall, residents of predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods are about four times more likely than residents of predominantly white neighborhoods to be struck as a pedestrian."

July 1, 2025
See all posts