Scientists from the Glasgow Centre for Public Health (England) found that people who walk or cycle to work have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, mental health problems, hospitalization and premature death compared to those who use personal or public transport. Research results published In BMJ Public Health.
The study involved 82,000 Scots aged between 16 and 74. Participants were asked questions about their diet and lifestyle, as well as what transport they usually use to commute to work and the distance they travel.
Scientists calculated that for almost all people who walked to work, the distance to work was less than five kilometers. Four in five cyclists traveled less than five kilometers, while 14% traveled between three and six miles. About 58% of sedentary commuters traveled more than five kilometers to work.
After collecting the necessary information, the researchers began following the participants for 18 years. The researchers found that compared with inactive people who drove or took public transportation to work, those who walked or biked had a lower risk of death and mental and physical illness.
Specifically, regular cycling was associated with a 47% reduced risk of premature death, a 51% reduced risk of cancer, and a 10% reduced risk of hospitalization. Cyclists were also 30% less likely to take prescription medications for cardiovascular disease.
Walking to work reduced the risk of being hospitalized for any reason by 11% and the risk of taking prescription medications for cardiovascular disease and mental disorders by 10% and 7%, respectively.
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