Cycling
Cycling as a way of daily travel has accumulated attention from the transportation and environmental sectors due to its many advantages over mechanized travel. More recently, the health sector has also recognized cycling's potential to enhance physical activity levels in children (Trapp et al., 2011), adults (Beenackers et al., 2012; Craig et al., 2012; Rissel et al., 2010; Titze et al., 2008; Wanner et al., 2012), and older adults (Heesch et al., 2014).
Regular physical activity offers many health benefits (Lee et al., 2012; Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2008). The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (WHO, 2010). However, despite these benefits, a significant portion of Western and other populations do not meet the recommended activity levels. Integrating cycling into daily routines is a promising solution to increase physical activity, especially for those who spend 30 minutes or more commuting daily but struggle to find extra time for exercise (Bauman et al., 2012; Trost et al., 2002). Cycling combines mobility and physical activity, is cost-effective, and requires no special skills, making it accessible to a broad population.
Despite its benefits, cycling remains marginal in both transport and health policies, with few exceptions. This marginalization may be due to perceived risks of crashes and air pollution exposure in urban areas, the generally low mode share of cycling, various socio-psychological and environmental barriers, and a lack of prioritization in policy and planning (Pucher & Dijkstra, 2003; Pucher et al., 2010; Winters et al., 2011). Understanding cycling's implications for public health is crucial for informed policy, planning, and individual decision-making.
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This narrative review aims to elucidate key issues and findings related to the health aspects of daily cycling. The focus is on the types and purposes of cycling targeted by cycling promotion initiatives, such as sustainable transport, livable communities, and physical activity promotion. This includes recreational cycling, defined as leisurely or moderate-to-vigorous rides primarily for recreation, fitness, or health, but excludes competitive sports cycling, although similar health aspects apply.
Healthy benefits of Cycling:
The health benefits and risks of cycling can be both positive and negative. The primary health benefit of cycling is derived from physical activity. Other benefits include improved quality of life through increased mobility and access. Some outcomes, such as enhanced cognitive function or reduced depression risk, may result from a combination of these factors. Additionally, cycling can indirectly benefit health by reducing motor vehicle use, thus lowering air and noise pollution and fostering more socially engaging, livable communities.
The main negative health impacts are crash risks and increased exposure to air pollution while cycling in traffic.
This review explores key publications on these health pathways to provide a structured overview, methodological insights, and important issues related to the health impacts of cycling. The health benefits and risks of cycling are complex, context-dependent, and often under-researched, making definitive conclusions challenging. This review is not systematic or comprehensive but includes numerous references to original research and systematic reviews to facilitate further inquiries on specific aspects. Two main perspectives are examined.
The first perspective looks at epidemiological evidence of cycling's effects on significant health outcomes. These studies describe relationships between cycling (exposure) and health outcomes (endpoints), determining whether cycling is 'healthy' or 'risky,' but are not sufficient alone to guide public policy on promoting cycling at the population level.
The second perspective involves health impact modeling to quantify the impact magnitude, such as disease prevention, by specific policies or scenarios in realistic settings within defined populations and timeframes. Epidemiological evidence is central to health impact modeling, which applies its own methodologies.
The primary health pathways are outlined based on impact magnitude from health impact studies (Mueller et al.,
2015). These studies suggest that, at the population level, the physical activity benefits of cycling outweigh the
risks from crashes and air pollution, along with indirect effects from reduced motor vehicle use (de Hartog et al.,
2010; Rabl & De Nazelle, 2012; Rojas-Rueda et al., 2013).
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Physical Activity from Cycling:
Cross-sectional study substantiates the Health Effects of Physical Activity from Cycling from a physiological perspective, physical activity from cycling is comparable to other activities of equal intensity, duration, and frequency.
In 2008, the US Physical Activity Guidelines Consultative Committee issued a full report summarizing the evidence of health effects of bodily activity based on orderly reviews of hundreds of cross-sectional studies (Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2008). Overall physical activity and leisure time physical activity have been linked to reduced risks for various diseases and mortality. Additionally, intermediate health indicators, such as cardiorespiratory fitness, obesity, and biomarkers, show beneficial associations with physical activity. These benefits have been observed across the general population, including children, youth, the elderly, different ethnicities, and overweight and obese individuals. Table 1 lists the health outcomes strongly associated with the effects of beneficial physical activity.
Cycling impact on the environment:
As modes of transport go, few are as environmentally friendly as cycling. The ecological benefits of cycling far surpass any potential drawbacks.
Whether you cycle to work, school, the shops, or simply to stay fit, every pedal stroke helps protect our planet in multiple ways.
If you’re not yet a cyclist but are looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle, cycling is an excellent place to start.
While many benefits are obvious, some are less so. Here are five of the biggest environmental benefits of cycling.
1. Cycling Reduces Air Pollution
Cycling significantly cuts down on air pollution. Air pollution, caused by small particles, chemicals, and gases, primarily results from burning fossil fuels, transportation, and wildfires. Driving motorized vehicles, like cars, is a major contributor, releasing harmful gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen dioxide.
In contrast, cycling emits very little CO₂. Short journeys, especially, show the greatest environmental benefits. According to environmental organization Hubbub, 50% of our daily journeys are less than two miles. Switching these short trips to cycling can drastically reduce unnecessary pollution. In the UK, over half (55%) of transport emissions come from cars, severely impacting air quality. By choosing to cycle instead of driving for short trips, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint and improve air quality.
2. Cycling Reduces Noise Pollution
Pollution isn't limited to harmful gases; noise pollution is also a concern. Noise pollution encompasses any unwanted or disruptive sounds that harm the health and well-being of both humans and animals.
Animals rely on natural sounds for navigation, finding food, attracting mates, and avoiding predators. Human-caused noise disrupts these activities, forcing animals to alter their behavior or relocate, which can lead to broader environmental degradation. By reducing the noise from vehicles and traffic, cycling helps preserve natural habitats and supports wildlife.
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3. Cycling Boosts Biodiversity and Protects Green Spaces
Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is crucial for healthy ecosystems, ensuring quality food, water, and air. Climate change threatens biodiversity, but cycling can help protect it. By generating less noise and air pollution and emitting fewer greenhouse gases, cycling helps preserve green spaces and the wildlife within them.
Switching car journeys to cycling reduces the need for paved surfaces, indirectly increasing green spaces. This supports biodiversity and protects natural environments, contributing to a healthier planet.
4. Cycling Reduces the Need for Deforestation
Deforestation, the clearing of trees and forests for industrial use, has severe environmental impacts. Industrial sites contribute to air and noise pollution and require transportation and non-eco-friendly materials.
Increased cycling reduces the demand for car production, which often involves mining metals and deforestation. By promoting green, cycle-friendly spaces, cycling helps mitigate deforestation and its negative effects.
5. Cycling Helps Reduce Global Warming
Cycling is a key component of a low-carbon, greener future. Human activities significantly contribute to global warming, but we also have the power to make positive changes.
Data from Cycling UK suggests that increasing urban cycling from 6% to 11% by 2030 and to 14% by 2050 could reduce CO₂ emissions from passenger transport by 7% and 11%, respectively. If people in England cycled as much as those in the Netherlands, there would be around two million fewer car commuters, reducing the UK’s CO₂ output by over 1,500 tonnes annually.
By understanding and embracing these benefits, we can make informed decisions that support a healthier planet. Cycling isn't just a mode of transport; it's a powerful tool for environmental conservation.
