Cycling to work 'can cut risk of heart disease and cancer by a quarter'
major study tracking more than 300,000 commuters has revealed that cycling to work can cut the risk of dying early from illnesses such as heart disease and cancer by up to 24 per cent.
Dr Richard Patterson from the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, who led the research, hailed post-lockdown plans to dramatically increase numbers of cycle lanes and walking routes into city centres.
He said the study demonstrates a large increase in active commutes would have significant positive health impacts nationwide.
The conclusive peer-reviewed report, published today in The Lancet Planetary Health journal by researchers at Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge, used Census data to track a cohort of commuters in England and Wales between 1991 and 2016.
It found that those who cycled to work saw an overall 20 per cent reduced rate of early death during the period, compared with drivers.
They saw a 24 per cent reduced rate of death from cardiovascular disease - which includes heart attack and stroke - a 16 per cent reduced rate of death from cancer, and an 11 per cent reduced rate of a cancer diagnosis.
Walking to work showed a less significant impact than cycling, but walking commuters studied still experienced a seven per cent lower rate of cancer diagnosis than their driver commuter peers.
The data for the study revealed 66 per cent of people drove to work, 19 per cent used public transport, 12 per cent walked and 3 per cent cycled.
It also showed even taking the train rather than getting behind the wheel cuts the risk of early death by 10 per cent.
Authors said the health benefits to rail travel were not due to the number of accidents encountered on the road, but were likely because rail users walk to and from station at each end of their journey.
Londoners are currently being urged to avoid public transport as part of the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions, and to cycle or walk to work instead.
Mayor Sadiq Khan’s new London Streetspace programme includes the rapid construction of a strategic cycling network, using temporary materials, including new routes aimed at reducing crowding on underground and train lines and on busy bus corridors.
Working with London's boroughs, the programme will rapidly transform London's streets to accommodate a possible ten-fold increase in cycling and five-fold increase in walking as lockdown restrictions are eased.
Dr Patterson said: “As large numbers of people begin to return to work as the COVID-19 lockdown eases, it is a good time for everyone to rethink their transport choices. With severe and prolonged limits in public transport capacity likely, switching to private car use would be disastrous for our health and the environment. Encouraging more people to walk and cycle will help limit the longer-term consequences of the pandemic.”
Co-author Dr Anthony Laverty, senior author from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, added: “It’s great to see that the government is providing additional investment to encourage more walking and cycling during the post-lockdown period."
World Bicycle Day 2021: 6 Health benefits of cycling to stay fit, active and stress free
World Bicycle Day, announced by the United Nations, is observed annually on June 3 all over the world to recognise the importance of bicycling as an easy way of transportation. Bicycle is one of the most sustainable, environment-friendly, affordable and a simple means of transport. But apart from that, bicycling is considered to be highly beneficial for health.
For weight loss
Bicycling is a great of reducing weight. It raises the metabolic rate, builds muscle, and burns fat. So, if you are trying to lose weight then practice bicycling along with maintaining a healthy diet plan. It is a convenient way of exercising also as you can choose your time and maintain your own comfortable pace.
Good for cardiovascular diseases
Regular bicycling helps improve your heart health, lungs, blood circulation, thus reducing the risk of any cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, etc. It also strengthens your heart muscles, reduces blood fat levels, lowers resting pulse, etc. And most importantly, people of any age can do the cycling.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the leading health problems amongst people all around the world. And lack of activity is one of the most common factors of this issue. But cycling for 30 minutes everyday can reduce the risk of having diabetes up to 40 percent.
Improves bone problems and osteoarthritis
Cycling improves balance, co-ordination and strength. Cycling is especially ideal for people with osteoarthritis problem as it is a low-impact exercise that puts a very little pressure on the joints.
Improves mental health issues
Regular bicycling is beneficial for mental health issues as it improves stress, depression and anxiety by providing enormous joy to the rider.
Good muscle workout
Cycling is a highly beneficial exercise for muscle improvement as it puts good impacts on the muscles as you pedal.
How to incorporate cycling in your daily routine?
1- While going for grocery shopping, take your bicycle and ride it to the market.
2- Everyday in morning or evening, you can just go out with your bicycle to have some quiet time with yourself.
3- If your school, college or workplace is near to your home, then take bicycle to go to school and come back to home.
Huge health benefits of swapping short car journeys for walking or cycling
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram is pushing for more people to take to active travel instead of getting in their cars
Walking and cycling can offer many benefits.
Research shows travelling more actively has huge short and long-term health benefits.
One study revealed regular walking could cut the risk of health problems like heart disease or stroke by a third, while another found people who regularly travelled by bike live on average seven years longer than those who don’t.
There is also consistent evidence that suggests exercise can increase feelings of wellbeing and help tackle stress, anxiety and depression.
South Liverpool doctor Dr Vish Nosib said he had seen the positive effect walking and cycling has on the health of people coming into his surgery.
Dr Nosib said: “I’ve noticed an improvement in so many of my patients when they bring even just a little bit of exercise into their routine. And it’s not just physical wellbeing. I’ve known people who have suffered from depression who have made progress by simply getting out and going for a walk in their local area.
“It can be a really positive change for people; they get exercise which good for physical fitness and mental health, they are more likely to connect with people and the environment around them which in turn helps to make people feel socially included, develop local community and increase the support that can be available for mental and physical wellbeing.”
In addition to the health benefits, people across the region are being urged to consider the potential financial savings they could make.
According to the combined authority, commuting to work by bike is nine times cheaper than doing the same journey by car – and many employers run schemes that allow staff to buy a brand-new bike via their monthly pay cheque, tax free.