A recent study conducted by scientists from the Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge has found that cycling to work instead of driving or taking public transportation can have a positive impact on one’s health and fitness. The study analyzed census data from 300,000 individuals in Wales and England between 1991 and 2016, which included information on their mode of transportation to work, as well as any serious illnesses or premature deaths. The results showed that cycling to work was the healthiest form of commuting, with a 20% lower risk of premature death compared to driving. The study also found that cycling reduced the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 24% and cancer by 11%.
The study’s authors attribute these health benefits to the additional physical activity that cycling provides compared to driving or taking public transportation. The study’s findings confirm those of a 2015 study by the University of Utrecht, which found that frequent cycling in the Netherlands increased life expectancy by an average of six months and prevented 6,500 deaths per year. However, the study did not examine the impact of cycling on general well-being or temporary illnesses, nor did it consider other factors such as smoking, exercise habits outside of commuting, or obesity.
In response to the study’s findings, the scientists are calling for a redesign of transportation systems to create better conditions for cyclists and pedestrians. With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the return of many individuals to their workplaces, the scientists believe that now is the time to reconsider transportation choices. They warn that relying on private cars due to reduced public transportation capacity could have catastrophic effects on both health and the environment. Encouraging more people to walk or cycle to work could help limit the long-term effects of the pandemic.
