Cycling and walking to work reduces risks of both mental and physical health issues
Cycling and walking to work reduces risks of both mental and physical health issues, researchers claim
![A fresh study highlights that those who engage in active commuting modes experience significant improvements in their overall well-being A fresh study highlights that those who engage in active commuting modes experience significant improvements in their overall well-being](https://services.meteored.com/img/article/cycling-and-walking-work-reduces-risks-of-mental-and-physical-health-issues-1721393627518_1024.jpg)
While the daily commute often involves sitting in traffic or being crammed into public transport, there's a growing body of evidence suggesting that how we get to work can have a profound impact on our health. And not just physically.
A fresh study conducted by UC San Diego sheds light on the potential physical but also mental health benefits of opting for more active modes of commuting.
Published in BMJ Public Health, the large-scale, long-term study found that commuters who cycle or walk to their destinations enjoy significant reductions in both mental and physical health risks.
Cycling to work: A literal lifesaver
The study's stand-out finding is probably that cyclists, in particular, benefit greatly, showing a 47% lower risk of death from any cause compared to those who commute by inactive means. This reinforces the concept that active travel not only increases daily physical activity but also contributes to a longer, healthier life.
To address previous research limitations, the study drew on data from the Scottish Longitudinal Study (SLS), encompassing a representative 5% of the Scottish population based on Census returns from 1991, 2001, and 2011. The researchers focused on individuals aged 16-74 in 2001 who travelled to work or study, ultimately analysing data from 82,297 people after excluding incomplete records.
Participants reported their primary mode of travel, categorised as either active (walking or cycling) or inactive. The researchers linked these responses to health data covering hospital admissions and mental health prescriptions from 2001 to 2018. They accounted for various factors, including age, sex, pre-existing health conditions, socioeconomic status, and commuting distance.
Over the study period, more than 5% of participants died, with nearly half of these deaths attributed to cancer. Hospital admissions were common, with 64% of participants admitted for various reasons, including cardiovascular disease and road traffic collisions. A significant number of participants were prescribed medication for cardiovascular disease and mental health issues.
Active commuters, compared to their inactive counterparts, showed significant health benefits. Cyclists not only had a 47% lower risk of death but also a 10% lower risk of hospital admission for any cause and a 24% lower risk for cardiovascular disease-related hospital admissions. They were also less likely to be prescribed medication for cardiovascular issues and mental health problems.
Pedestrian commuters also experienced health benefits, including an 11% lower risk of hospital admission for any cause and a 10% lower risk for cardiovascular disease. They were less likely to be prescribed drugs for cardiovascular and mental health issues.
“This study strengthens the evidence that active commuting has population-level health benefits and can contribute to reduced morbidity and mortality,” the researchers said. “That cyclist and pedestrian commuting is associated with lower risks of being prescribed medication for poor mental health is an important finding.”
However, they caution that while cyclists might have better mental health prospects from commuting often, they do have twice the risk of being a road traffic casualty compared with non-active commuters, which only “reinforces the need for safer cycling infrastructure” the scientists added.