Health Benefits of Cycling
There are loads of websites claiming that cycling is good for you, and most of these websites belong to cycling groups, or others who have something to gain from a greater uptake of cycling. So, what do they state, and more importantly should we believe them?
Is Cycling Good for Your Heart?
What about the old chestnut that cycling is good for your heart?
Well, this claim can be backed up by the statement contained in a UK government white paper titled Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation issued in 1999.
The white paper states:
"Physical activity is one of the key determinants of good health. A physically active lifestyle, including walking, cycling or participating in sport, reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke and promotes good mental health."
And a UK Government report by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, Health Benefits of Physical Activity released October 2001 claims;
"Regular exercise, such as cycling, halves the chances of suffering from heart disease, the single largest cause of death in Britain".
So based on that evidence, it is One Nothing to the cycle advocay groups.
Does Cycling Improve Mental Health?
This is another often quoted statement - but is there any evidence to back it up?
Well, a study published in Science Direct, the leading platform of peer-reviewed literature, showed that aerobic exercise e.g. cycling can significantly reduce feelings of anxiety, potentially preventing anxiousness from developing into full-blown panic attacks or disorders.
Another study, this time published in the British Medical Journal concluded that "Stress reduction may be an important consequence of routine bicycle use and should be considered by decision makers as another potential benefit of its promotion".
So it now looks like Two Nothing to the bike lobby.
Other Cycling Related Health Benefits
Some websites and magazine articles claim that in addittion to being good for your heart and having mental health benefits, cycling also provides other health benefits - are they right?
Well, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology report mentioned above also states that regualr exercise , such as cycling, provides protection from strokes, diabetes and certain types of cancer.
Further, just thinking about the mechanics of cycling shows it is a low impact activity and therefore is one of the safer ways to exercise without risk of over-exertion or strain to muscles and joints.
Looks like Three Nothing!
But Is Cycling Dangerous?
One of the main reasons non cyclists site for not cycling is a fear of being knocked off by motorists. Many websites dismiss this - should they?
The Department for Transport (DfT) figures for 2020 (the latest available at time of writing) show 141 cyclists died on Britain’s roads in 2020, 41 more than in 2019; and 16,294 were slightly injured, a drop of 3% from 2019.
So cyclists do have accidents. But is cycling more dangerous than other forms of transport?
Well, for 2020 cyclists accounted for 9.6% of all road accident fatalities, whereas car occupants accounted for 42.3% of all fatalities. But that isn't a fair comparison because cycling accounted for less than 2% of road traffic and car traffic accounted for more than 73% of total road mileage.
Although the number of pedal cyclist fatalities was notably high during 2020, with a large increase in cycling following the Covid-19 lockdown from March, it is estimated that there was 5 billion miles cycled in Britain in 2020 so that works out at one fatality over a distance equivalent to 1,400 rides round the world at its widest point.
Conclusion? The research suggests that the health benefits of cycling far outweigh the risks (depending on the factors considered).
Cycle Helmets
To some a cycle helmet is probably the most important purchase after that of your bike. To others, its a waste of £30 or more. Here are a few arguments for and against the wearing of a Cycle Helmet.
Safe Road Positioning
Where is the safest place to cycle on the road?
Perhaps not where you first think!
Learn all about safe road positioning, including how far from the kerb to cycle, and what to do when the road changes in our guide.
The Highway Code
Keep up to date with all the information, advice, guides and mandatory rules for road users in the United Kingdom.
Staying Warm
Winter in the north east of Scotland can be cold. But don't let that put you off getting out on your bike.
Here are our tips on how you can stay warm whilst enjoying cycling through the winter months.