A new study shows that cycling to work significantly reduces the risk of premature death from diseases such as cancer and heart disease. However, there is a caveat to the benefits: cyclists are at greater risk of being involved in traffic accidents.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow conducted the largest study of its kind, following 82,000 British workers aged 16 to 74 for 17 years. The findings, published in BMJ Public Health, showed 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. In addition, cycling to work was associated with a 10% lower risk of hospital treatment and a 24% lower risk of heart disease.
The mental health benefits were also notable: cyclists were 20% less likely to be prescribed psychiatric medications such as antidepressants compared to their “inactive” counterparts. Despite these health benefits, the study revealed a significant disadvantage: cyclists were twice as likely to be hospitalized due to traffic accidents than cyclists who drove or took the train.
The study was based on data from the Scottish census and followed participants from 2001 to 2018. The results showed that only 1,363 participants cycled to work, with most traveling less than 5km each way. During the follow-up period, 83 cyclists were hospitalized after 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 highlighting the need for improved cycling infrastructure to reduce the risk of road accidents.
Lead investigators Catherine Friel, Dr. David Walsh and Bruce Whyte said: “Our findings provide direct evidence of the health benefits of active commuting and support policy efforts to cycling to work. However, the increased risk of road accidents for cyclists underlines the need for safer cycling infrastructure.”
The study’s conclusions are in line with global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and promote sustainable travel. Despite the clear health benefits, UK transport statistics show that less than 5% of people cycle to work. The majority travel by car (68%), while smaller percentages walk (11%), take the train (9%) or use the bus (6%).
Cycling increased during the pandemic, especially in cities like London that invested in cycle lanes. However, Department for Transport data shows that cycling activity on roads has fallen by 5% year-on-year from September 2023, although levels are still 3% higher than pre-pandemic figures.