The health benefits of cycling have been shown to be a primary reason why many people choose to cycle. A significant proportion of the population do not participate in the necessary levels of physical activity to protect against sedentary lifestyle diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Cycling has been shown to significantly reduce the chance of developing these and other types of disease. Integrating cycling into everyday life, by using the bike as a form of transport has been shown to be a very sustainable method of regular physical activity.
Exercise can reduce anxiety in women (USA)
30th Jan 2012
Researchers from the University of Georgia reported in the journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics in January 2012 that exercise can reduce the symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) in women. The researchers randomly assigned 30 sedentary women diagnosed with GAD to either a control group or six weeks of strength or aerobic exercise training. Exercise training consisted of two sessions a week of either weight lifting or leg cycling exercise. All exercisers demonstrated a significant reduction in worry symptoms and moderate-to-large improvements in other symptoms, such as irritability, feelings of tension, low energy and pain.
How Bikes Can Save Us - Infographic (USA)
19th Dec 2011
This infographic by Jen Rhee was published in December 2011. It provides a visual and engaging representation of the personal health and enconmic benefits of active travel.
Air Quality and Exercise-Related Health Benefits from Reduced Car Travel (USA)
24th Nov 2011
This research report by Grabow ML, Spak SN, Holloway T, Stone Jr. B, Mednick AC, Patz JA was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in November 2011. The findings suggests that significant health and economic benefits are possible if bicycling replaces short car trips. Less auto dependence in urban areas would also improve health in downwind rural settings.
