If you’re thinking about ditching your car for your daily commute and switching to a bike or comfortable walking shoes, Recent research in Scotland This might just be the kick in the butt you need. This 18-year long study takes a closer look at the long-term health benefits of an active lifestyle. commute— Walk to Work or Bike to Work. And spoiler alert: the results are pretty convincing.
The pros and cons of commuting by bike
Researchers from the Scottish Longitudinal Study looked at data from over 82,000 people, comparing those who actively commuted (by walking or cycling) to those who didn’t. They followed these people from 2001 to 2018, tracking their health through hospital records, prescriptions, and even death certificates. The goal was to see how differences in commuting habits affected a range of health conditions, from heart disease to mental health.
The cyclist advantage
After all, cyclists appear to be healthier. Compared to those who drive, people who cycle to work enjoy the following health benefits:
- The risk of dying from any cause is reduced by 47%.
- They are 10% less likely to be hospitalized for any reason.
- The risk of hospitalization for heart disease is reduced by 24%.
- You are 30% less likely to need medication for heart problems.
- It reduces the risk of dying from cancer by 51%.
- 24% lower chance of being hospitalized for cancer.
- They are 20% less likely to need medication for mental health issues.
All in all, this is a pretty impressive list of benefits you get from replacing your accelerator pedal with pedal force.
Walking also has great benefits
While walking to work doesn’t compare to cycling in every category, it still offers significant benefits.
- The risk of hospitalization is reduced by 9%.
- The risk of hospitalization for heart disease decreases by 10%.
- You are 10% less likely to need heart-related medications.
- 7% less likely to need mental health medication.
It’s clear that simply walking to work can make a big difference to your health.
Commuting by bicycle
Overall picture Bicycle commuting
So why does this matter? Firstly, it adds weight to the active commuting argument. Not just for personal health, Public policyAs governments and cities aim to reduce car use to cut emissions and improve urban liveability, studies like this one provide strong evidence that encouraging more walking and cycling can benefit people’s healthier lives.
A few things to keep in mind
Of course, as with any study, there are caveats: The researchers note that the data only captures commuting habits from one point in time (2001), so some people may have changed their habits over the years. And while they controlled for many factors, including age, sex, and existing health conditions, it’s always possible that other factors that weren’t measured may have played a role.
Another interesting fact is that cyclists are almost twice as likely to be hospitalized after a road accident as non-cycling commuters, meaning that while cycling has great health benefits, it is also important to promote safer cycling infrastructure.
Advance
Since the pandemic, the way we commute has changed with more people working from home. However, the benefits of active mobility are undeniable. Whether it’s cycling or walking, incorporating physical activity into your daily life can have significant long-term health benefits. As cities and governments continue to invest in active mobility infrastructure, we can expect to see safer, healthier and more sustainable communities.
Next time you wonder whether to get in your car or hop on your beloved bike, remember that every pedal stroke is improving your health.
