Why Biking to Work Might Be the Best Decision You Ever Make

If you’ve been toying with the idea of ditching your car for a bike or even a pair of comfy walking shoes for your daily commute, a recent study from Scotland might just give you the push you need. Conducted over an impressive 18-year span, this study delves into the long-term health benefits of active commuting—walking or biking to work. And spoiler alert: the results are pretty compelling.

The Long and Short of Biking to Work

Researchers at the Scottish Longitudinal Study looked at data from over 82,000 people, comparing those who commuted actively (either by walking or cycling) to those who didn’t. They followed these folks from 2001 to 2018, tracking their health through hospital records, prescriptions, and even death certificates. The idea was to see how different commuting habits affected a range of health outcomes, from heart disease to mental health.

The Cyclist’s Edge

Cyclists, it turns out, seem to hit the health jackpot. Compared to their car-commuting counterparts, those who biked to work had:

• A 47% lower risk of dying from any cause.
• A 10% lower chance of ending up in the hospital for any reason.
• A 24% lower risk of being hospitalized for heart disease.
• A 30% lower chance of needing medication for heart problems.
• A 51% lower risk of dying from cancer.
• A 24% lower chance of being hospitalized for cancer.
• A 20% lower chance of needing medication for mental health issues.

That’s a pretty impressive list of benefits, all from swapping the gas pedal for some pedal power.

Walking Works Wonders Too

While walking to work didn’t quite match up to cycling in every category, it still showed significant benefits. Pedestrian commuters had:

• A 9% lower risk of any hospital admission.
• A 10% lower risk of being hospitalized for heart disease.
• A 10% lower chance of needing heart-related medication.
• A 7% lower chance of needing mental health medication.

It’s clear that even just walking to work can make a meaningful difference to your health.

biking to work

The Big Picture Biking to Work

So, why does this matter? Well, for one, it adds more weight to the argument for active commuting—not just for personal health, but also for public policy. As governments and cities aim to cut down on car use to reduce emissions and improve urban livability, studies like this provide strong evidence that promoting walking and cycling can lead to healthier populations.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

Of course, no study is without its caveats. The researchers noted that their data only captured how people commuted at one point in time (2001), so it’s possible some folks changed their habits over the years. And while they adjusted for many factors like age, sex, and pre-existing health conditions, there’s always a chance that other unmeasured factors played a role.

Another interesting tidbit? Cyclists were almost twice as likely to be hospitalized due to traffic collisions compared to non-active commuters. So, while cycling offers great health benefits, it’s also crucial to advocate for safer biking infrastructure.

Moving Forward

With more people working from home post-pandemic, the dynamics of commuting are changing. However, the benefits of active travel are undeniable. Whether it’s cycling or walking, integrating physical activity into your daily routine can have profound long-term health benefits. As cities and governments continue to invest in active travel infrastructure, we can hope for safer, healthier, and more sustainable communities.

So next time you’re debating whether to drive or hop on your beloved bike, remember: every pedal counts towards a healthier you.