Background: Transport is a structural determinant of health. We have assessed the potential of transport plans for the 2012 London Olympic Games to achieve the sustainability commitment of 'encouraging healthy living'.
Methods: We compared national and London-wide policies against developments described in the Transport Assessment, a public planning document, for the period of the Games and the aftermath legacy.
Results: National and London policies recommend modal shift in travel-more walking and cycling for health benefits, and fewer motor vehicles journeys to reduce harm and risks. For the Games, most spectators will use public transport, with low pollution and injury impacts and some are predicted to attend by cycling or walking. Redevelopment of the Olympics site after the Games will provide green areas for cycling and walking and better public transport, but road traffic is predicted to increase and noise and air pollution will persist above recommended levels.
Conclusions: Transport planning for the London Olympic Games is contributing to sustainability. The impact on population health should be measured prospectively.