Cyclists Live Longer

A study published in 2000 found that, over a 14.5 year period in Copenhagen, Denmark, riding a bicycle to work decreased risk of mortality by about 40% compared to a sedentary control group.

Source: Anderson, Lars Bo "All-Cause Mortality Associated with Physical Activity During Leisure Time, Work, Sports and Cycling to Work" Archives of Internal Medicine Vol 160 No. 11 June 12, 2000

Cyclists Enjoy Lower Cholesterol and Less Risk of Heart Attack

Cycling 100 was a year-long program in Perth, Australia in which free bikes were provided to 100 commuters who volunteered to replace some car trips to work with bicycle commuting. The participants’ health was monitored before and after the trial. The study found that the cyclists’ physical work capacity and aerobic fitness improved. They also experienced significant reductions in LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) and significant increases in HDL (good cholesterol). They also lowered their risk of heart attacks and strokes.

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Benefits Far Outweigh Risks for Bikers

Getting more people cycling as part of daily life may be one of the best ways to improve the community’s health and tackle sedentary lifestyles, according to this report. It details health benefits including lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease and obesity. The report suggests that the physical risk associated with cycling (i.e. accidents) and costs of providing cycling facilities is far outweighed by the health and environmental benefits of cycling.

Read the entire report by Ian Roberts, Harry Owen, Peter Lumb, and Colin MacDougall HERE.

Breathe Easy

One recent study established statistics on the pollutant concentrations breathed in by cyclists and motorists in one hour during the same journey at the same time and found that motorists are subject to higher pollution levels. Despite the fact that a cyclist breathes about two to three times as much air as the motorist due to physical exertion, the motorist breathed about 60% more carbon monoxide (cyclist: 2670ug/m3, motorist: 6730 ug/m3). Other pollutants all showed significantly lower levels in the cyclists. Physical exercise is also shown to assist in resisting the effects of air pollution.

Maximum Averages of Pollutant Concentrations Inhaled by Cyclists and Motorists
	Cyclists (µg/m3)	Motorists (µg/m3)
Carbon monoxide	2670	6730
Nitrogen dioxide	156	277
Benzene	23	138
Toluene	72	373
Xylene	46	193

This information comes from: Van Wijen, Verhoeff, Henk, Van Bruggen. The exposure of cyclist, car drivers and pedestrians to traffic-related air pollutants. Environmental Health 67 pp 187-193.

Find out more about this and other similar studies at this PDF version of a comissioned by the European Commission.

Riding a bicycle is good for your body and your mind

Physical activity alters brain chemistry and leads to feelings of wellbeing. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of depression, and depression increases the likelihood of a sedentary lifestyle.

People who regularly cycle report that they:

• Have an increased sense of vitality
• Feel more confident and positive
• Feel stronger
• Are able to concentrate better
• Sleep better
• Enjoy life more

Physical activity has shown to be as effective as psychotherapy and medication in alleviating symptoms of depression. (Refererence: Carf, L. and F. Perma, 2004, "The benefits of exercise for the clinically depressed")

This page contains information gathered from: bicycle victoria and the cycling promotion fund.