Cycling to work significantly reduces the risk of premature death from diseases such as cancer and heart disease, a new study shows. However, the benefits come with a caveat: cyclists face a greater risk of being involved in a traffic accident.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow conducted the largest study of its kind, tracking 82,000 UK workers aged between 16 and 74 over 17 years. The findings, published in the journal BMJ Public Health, revealed that those who cycled to work had a 47% lower risk of dying from any cause and a 51% lower risk of dying from cancer. Additionally, cycling to work was linked to a 10% lower chance of needing hospital treatment and a 24% lower risk of heart disease.
The mental health benefits were also significant, with cyclists being 20% less likely to be prescribed psychiatric medications such as antidepressants than their “inactive” counterparts. Despite these health benefits, the study highlighted a major downside: cyclists were twice as likely to be hospitalized for a traffic accident as those who drove or took the train.
The research was based on data from the Scottish Census and followed participants from 2001 to 2018. It found that just 1,363 participants cycled to work, with most of them travelling less than 5 kilometres (3 miles) each way. During the follow-up period, 83 cyclists were admitted to hospital after road traffic accidents.
Walking to work also showed health benefits, albeit to a lesser extent than cycling. The study supports policies that encourage active commuting while emphasizing the need to improve cycling infrastructure to reduce the risk of road accidents.
“Our findings provide direct evidence of the health benefits of active commuting and support policy efforts to promote riding a bike to workHowever, the increased risk of road traffic accidents for cyclists underscores the need for safer cycling infrastructure.
The study’s findings are in line with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable travel. Despite the clear health benefits, UK transport statistics reveal that less than 5% of people cycle to work. Most commute by car (68%), with smaller proportions walking (11%), taking the train (9%) or taking the bus (6%).
Cycling has seen a surge during the pandemic, particularly in cities such as London that have invested in cycle paths. However, Department for Transport data shows a 5% year-on-year fall in road cycling activity as of September 2023, although levels remain 3% higher than pre-pandemic figures.