If you bike to work, you live longer, new study confirms

If you’re looking for an affordable and accessible way to live longer, skip the pricey wellness retreats and quirky biohacks—just bike to work. A newly published 18-year study of 82,297 adults in Scotland has revealed that commuting by bike significantly lowers the risk of early death, hospitalizations, and a range of chronic illnesses.

The study, published in BMJ Public Health, found that regular cycle commuters had a 4 per cent lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those who traveled by car or public transit. Yes, that reads 47.

The long-term health benefits didn’t stop there: cycling was also linked to a 24 per cent reduced risk of cardiovascular hospitalizations, a 51 per cent lower risk of dying from cancer, and improved mental health, as measured by fewer prescriptions for anxiety and depression.

Walking to work also delivered health benefits—pedestrian commuters were less likely to suffer from hospitalizations for cardiovascular issues or require mental health medication—but the effects were more modest compared to cycling.

The study’s authors confirm that cycling to work is “the most practical and sustainable way” for many people to get exercise every single day. Unlike other forms of exercise that require dedicated time and effort, commuting by bike seamlessly combines transportation and fitness, making it an attractive option for busy schedules.

Yes, we know bike commuting rocks

These findings aren’t entirely new, and it is something urban cyclists have known for some time.

The Scottish team points to a 2017 study of 263,450 U.K. commuters published in the British Medical Journal similarly found that regular cycling reduced the risk of death from any cause by 41 per cent and significantly lowered the likelihood of developing cancer or heart disease. Researchers from Copenhagen have also confirmed the life-extending benefits of cycling, showing that commuters who cycled to work had a 39 per cent lower mortality rate than those who didn’t, even when adjusted for other factors.

The Scottish study, however, goes further by tracking a larger and more diverse sample over nearly two decades, providing robust evidence of the benefits of active commuting. The results are particularly timely as governments around the world, including in Scotland, increase investment in active travel infrastructure such as bike lanes and shared paths.

Let’s get physical

For those wondering why cycling beats walking when it comes to health outcomes, the answer lies in intensity. Cycling generally involves more vigorous physical activity than walking, which leads to greater cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. However, the researchers caution that infrastructure plays a key role in making cycling safe and accessible to the masses. Investments in dedicated bike lanes, secure parking, and traffic-calming measures are essential to encourage more people to ditch their cars and pedal to work.

The need to safe cycling infrastructure

The evidence is clear: when you bike to work it isn’t just a way to save money or reduce your carbon footprint—it’s a prescription for a longer, healthier life. Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness, improve mental well-being, or simply stay out of the hospital, it might be time to join the growing ranks of cycle commuters.