Cycling to work every day would protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Experts are calling for the implementation of cycling plans.
“When we left early in the morning, When we went on the road, By bicycle …”. In 2015, 500,000 French people went to work humming the famous song of Yves Montand, according to INSEE. And they are right. Pedaling to work reduces risk of dying from cancer or cardiovascular disease, reports study published in the British Journal of Medicine.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow (United Kingdom) drew on health data collected from 265,000 Britons with an average age of 53 years. Participants were asked about their mode of transportation, and the main means used to get to work every day. Some 6,750 daily cyclists have been recorded. All participants were then followed for 5 years.
Heart-friendly walking and cycling
During the study, 2,430 volunteers died, including 37 in the group of cyclists. Nearly 500 have died from cardiovascular disease (heart attack or stroke), and more than 1,100 deaths are attributed to cancer. In addition, nearly 3,750 people survived their cancer and 1,110 survived heart disease.
Researchers’ analysis shows that the cycling community had a lower risk of developing cancer or heart disease and dying from it than motorists or transit travelers. The study also suggests that walking to work protects against cardiovascular disease, as long as you walk at least 2 hours per week. On the other hand, walkers had the same risk of dying from cancer as those who used the car, the bus or the metro.
Implement a cycling plan
Researchers from the University of Glasgow emphasize that this study is only observational. Therefore, no cause and effect link can be established. “But if this link were to be confirmed, it would suggest that the health of populations could be improved thanks to transport policies encouraging active travel, in particular cycling, by setting up cycle paths, rental systems. or purchasing aid ‘
An opinion shared by Prof. Lars Bo Andersen of the Norwegian University of Applied Sciences. In a commentary accompanying the study, he adds that “switching from the car to an active mode of transport will reduce road traffic in congested city centers, which will help to fight against air pollution and bring even more benefits to the health of populations”.
A call for political action relayed in France by the Federation of Bicycle Users (FUB). On the occasion of the presidential and legislative elections of 2017, they challenge the candidates and make proposals for our country to become a gigantic cycle path. He advocates in particular for the establishment of a “cycling culture” from primary school, as well as the encouragement of the use of this mode of transport thanks to an increase in the kilometer allowance. To promote this “cycling plan”, the FUB launched a “Let’s talk about bicycle” petition signed by more than 5,500 people.
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