Health benefits of pedestrian and cyclist commuting: evidence from the Scottish Longitudinal Study
This study, based on a large representative sample followed up for 18 years, provides robust evidence of lower risk of all-cause mortality, any hospital admission, cardiovascular disease hospitalisation and medication, cancer incidence and mortality and medication for poor mental health among cycling commuters compared with non-active commuters. Walking to work compared with non-active commuting was associated with reduced risk of any hospitalisation, cardiovascular disease hospitalisation and medication, and medication for poor mental health.
We’re made to move our bodies. Right now, our land use and transportation policies force everyone into non-active commuting. This study is about as robust as you can get. Hopefully, it will push policymakers & planners to allow more active commuting on public right-of-ways.
