Cycling to work ‘could halve risk of cancer’

COMMUTERS who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests – but campaigners have warned there is still an “urgent need” to improve road conditions for cyclists.

Cycling to work is linked to a 45% lower risk of developing cancer and a 46% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a study of a quarter of a million people.

Walking brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not as much as cycling.

The 264,337 participants were asked how they travelled to work on a typical day. Their health was monitored for five years and the results adjusted for variables such as sex, age, existing illness, smoking and diet.

Overall, people who cycled to work were found to have a 41% lower risk of premature death from any cause compared to those who drove or took public transport.

The scientists said: “The findings, if causal, suggest population health may be improved by policies that increase active commuting, particularly cycling.”

These policies could include “the creation of cycle lanes, cycle hire or purchase schemes and better provision for cycles on public transport,” they wrote in the British Medical Journal.

Walking to work was associated with a 27% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a 36% lower risk of dying from it – but did not appear to be linked to a lower risk of cancer or of early death from any other cause.

“Mixed” commuting that included both active and non-active modes of transport was also associated with some health benefits, but only if the active part of the journey involved cycling.

“A shift from car to more active modes of travel will also decrease traffic in congested city centres and help reduce air pollution,” added Professor Lars Bo Andersen from the Western Norwegian University of Applied Sciences.