A landmark study undertaken over two decades showed cyclists had about half the risk of dying compared with inactive commuters. Getting physically active on the way to work may come with serious health benefits down the line, according to new research that spans nearly two decades in Scotland. The analysis included more than 82,000 people ages 16 to 74 in 2001, and followed their health outcomes over 18 years.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh considered people to be "active commuters" if they primarily cycled or walked to work or school, and "inactive commuters" if they used any other mode of transportation. They found that over time, inactive commuters had a much higher risk of death, disease, and mental health issues compared with those who cycled or walked. Cyclists saw the bulk of the benefits, with a 47 per cent lower risk of death overall compared with inactive commuters, including a 51 per cent lower risk of dying from cancer, according to the study, published in the journal .
Cyclists also were 10 per cent less likely to be hospitalised, 20 per cent less likely to be prescribed drugs for mental health issues, and less likely to have problems from heart disease. Meanwhile, walkers were 11 per cent less likely to be hospitalised, 10 per cent less likely to need medicine to treat heart disease, and 7 per cent less likely to have a prescription for mental health issues compared with inactive commuters. "The more you do it, the saf.