Reduce the risk of disease
Exercising is widely recognized for its health benefits. Now, a new study from Scotland shows that walking or cycling to work significantly reduces the risk of dying, especially from cardiovascular disease and cancer, and also reduces the likelihood of hospitalization.
Study details
Researchers from the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh analyzed the medical records of 82,300 people between 2001 and 2018. Of the total sample, approximately 69,373 people used public transport or private vehicles to get to work, 11,560 walked and 1,363 cycled.
Impact on mortality
From the data collected, it was observed that cyclists experienced a 47% lower risk of death and a 10% lower risk of hospitalization compared to individuals using motorized transportation. This percentage reached 24% in the case of hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases or cancer. For pedestrians, the risk of hospitalization compared to non-active travelers was 9% lower overall and 10% lower for cardiovascular diseases.
Traffic accidents
However, cyclists face a higher risk of traffic accidents, with 50% more hospitalizations due to this cause compared to those who travel by public transport or motor vehicles.
Mental health benefits
Commuting to work on foot or by bicycle also has benefits for mental health. Of the total participants in the study, 41% had received pharmacological treatment for mental problems, while this percentage decreased to 20% among cyclists and 7% among pedestrians.
Recommendations for public policies
Given the relevance of these findings, the researchers urge policy makers to encourage walking and cycling. In addition to the health benefits, this form of transport also contributes to sustainability.
Situation in Spain
In Spain, more than two million people use bicycles daily to go to work, and around six million do so occasionally. In the city of Barcelona, 42% of trips are made on foot and 3.8% by bicycle or personal mobility vehicles, according to data from 2022, in which 8.5 million trips were recorded.
