Cycling to work halves the risk of death from illness including cancer and heart disease, a study has revealed.
Data looking at UK workers showed that active commuters, including those who walked or cycled to work, faced a lower risk of mental or physical ill health than those who did not rely on these options.
They also faced a reduced risk of admission to hospital for any illness at a lower rate of 10 and 11 per cent respectively.
Research for the study drew on data gathered in the Scottish census from 82,000 people aged between 16 to 74. They were followed up between 2001 and 2018 to monitor any hospital admissions, drug prescriptions or death.
Cycling to work was associated with a 30 per cent lower risk of being prescribed a drug to treat cardiovascular disease and a 51 per cent lower risk of dying from cancer.
But cyclist commuters were also twice as likely as ‘inactive’ commuters to be admitted to hospital after a road traffic collision.
The report, published in the medical journal BMJ Public Health, has subsequently called on the need for “safer cycling infrastructure”.
Cyclists were also more likely to be younger, male, shift workers, and city dwellers - and were less likely to be homeowners or carers.
The report concluded that active commuting, which is considered to be one of the most practical and sustainable ways to increase daily physical activity, saw a range of benefits.
Researchers said: “This study strengthens the evidence that active commuting has population-level health benefits and can contribute to reduced morbidity and mortality.
“That cyclist and pedestrian commuting is associated with lower risks of being prescribed medication for poor mental health is an important finding.”
The benefits for mental health were considerable, with cyclists at a 20 per cent lower risk of being prescribed drugs for mental health problems.
The team added: “These findings provide direct evidence of the health benefits of active commuting in a Scottish context, supporting current policy. This study has wider global relevance to efforts to reduce carbon emissions and to shift to more active and sustainable travel modes.”
