Moving toward sustainable transport

Abstract

Danica May Camacho was born in Manila on October 31, 2011-one of a number of children chosen by the United Nations to symbolize the world's 7 billionth resident. Born in one of the fastestgrowing megacities in the world, Danica will spend her youngest years in a landscape dominated by cars, jeepney mini-buses, heavy trucks, and motorcycles that make it dangerous for her to breathe the air or cross the streets. Manila ranks among the world's worst cities for traffic congestion, commute times, and harmful airborne fine particulate matter from transport sources. In addition, 371 people were killed in traffic in Manila in 2006 alone, and over half of these deaths were of pedestrians. This means that Danica and her parents have an increased risk of respiratory illness and they will spend less time together in their home and more time in traffic. They will also spend a larger portion of their limited income to take motorized modes for trips that are not viable on foot due to unsafe conditions.