"Want to live longer? Reduce your risk of cancer? And heart disease? Then cycle to work, say scientists."
A five-year study of 250,000 UK commuters suggests that bicycling to work can reduce your risk of death by 41%, your risk of getting cancer by 46%, and your risk of developing heart disease by 45%. The bike commuters averaged about 30 miles per week... but the further they rode, the more they reduced their risks.
Dr. Jason Gill, of the University of Glasgow: "This is really clear evidence that people who commute in an active way, particularly by cycling, were at lower risk." (Walking also had positive results, but primarily for people who walked at least six miles per week.)
He also points out the benefit of bike-commuting, as compared with exercising just for the sake of exercising: "You need to get to work every day so if you built cycling into the day it essentially takes willpower out of the equation."
Clare Hyde from Cancer Research UK said: "This study helps to highlight the potential benefits of building activity into your everyday life. You don't need to join a gym or run the marathon. Anything that gets you a bit hot and out of breath - whether it's cycling all or part way to work or doing some housework - can help make a difference."
Of course, the naysayers will declare that cyclists run a higher risk of being involved in a life-altering collision, than a SOV driver or a bus passenger. However, by riding in a common-sense fashion - legally, visibly, predictably and defensively - you can mitigate most of that risk. And I prefer to deal with the threats that I can see and maybe do something about, than those I have little control over.
The BBC story can be read HERE.