Alaska ranks poorly in national health metrics, coming in 39th in public health quality and 48th in healthcare access. Addressing these issues starts with increasing the state’s healthcare budget and investing in facilities. Equally important is improving public infrastructure to encourage healthier and more environmentally friendly transportation options. Candidates in the upcoming state, local, and Congressional elections should consider how to make communities more walkable to enhance well-being and economic growth.
When I moved to Fairbanks for graduate school in the summer of 2023, a friend picked me up from the airport and gave me a tour of the town. Despite its shrinking population, Fairbanks is comfortably spread out. My friend quickly informed me that Fairbanks is not walkable due to low winter temperatures and that the bus system, which does not operate on weekends, is largely decorative. Driving is more convenient, and I was advised that moving to Alaska without a driver’s license was a mistake.
However, the idea of driving everywhere to avoid the cold is uniquely American. Many sub-Arctic and Arctic cities, such as Reykjavik in Iceland and Tromsø in Norway, are walkable and have well-maintained public transit systems despite similar latitudes to Fairbanks. These cities also offer options for renting bikes and electric scooters.
Although Reykjavik and Tromsø are less spread out than Fairbanks, we must consider what Alaska’s scattered urban structure means for our health and economic growth.
Walkability Leads to Longevity
Areas with the highest concentrations of centenarians, known as “Blue Zones,” share a common characteristic: walkability. Residents of Blue Zones like Sardinia and Okinawa often live long enough to see their great-grandchildren due to high-quality homegrown food and strong family and social networks. These areas also have accessible public infrastructure that encourages walking, biking, and using public transit. While Alaska may not become a Blue Zone overnight, improving infrastructure could be a starting point.
According to Alaska’s Department of Health, two-thirds of Alaskan adults are overweight or obese, 31% have high blood pressure, and more than 50% do not exercise weekly. While cars are essential for many, they do not contribute to vitality. Imagine living in a community where walking, biking, and using public transportation are the norms, even in colder months.
Good for Our Economy
Building communities that do not rely on cars benefits local economies. Walkable towns with frequent bus connections attract tourists who are not interested in driving on icy roads.
Making neighborhoods more accessible is not impossible. The small town of Albert Lea in Minnesota added over nine miles of sidewalks and three miles of bike lanes, moving dozens of small businesses to the downtown area. With a clear strategy, Albert Lea increased residents’ lifespans by 2.9 years and saved $7.5 million in healthcare costs for local employers. Alaska has no excuse; we have a duty to make our communities more accessible, healthier, and safer.
As we enjoy the summer, we should consider what kind of future we want for our towns and cities. I envision a future where I can take my bike out of the garage on a cold January day and walk to the grocery store on a Saturday morning without hesitation. Candidates running in this fall’s elections should consider how to make their districts healthier by investing in people-friendly public infrastructure.
Related topics:
- Patients Express Frustration Over Palomar Health Medical Group Cybersecurity Issues
- Study Links Plant-Based Ultraprocessed Foods to Heart Disease and Early Death
- Healthcare software firm Waystar raises $968 million in IPO
