Cycling as a Part of Daily Life: A Review of Health Perspectives
Top Cited Papers
Open Access
- 30 June 2015
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Transport Reviews
- Vol. 36 (1), 45-71
- https://doi.org/10.1080/01441647.2015.1057877
Abstract
Health aspects of day-to-day cycling have gained attention from the health sector aiming to increase levels of physical activity, and from the transport and planning sector, to justify investments in cycling. We review and discuss the main pathways between cycling and health under two perspectives generalizable epidemiological evidence for health effects and specific impact modeling to quantify health impacts in concrete settings. Substantial benefits from physical activity dominate the public health impacts of cycling. Epidemiological evidence is strong and impact modeling is well advanced. Injuries amount to a smaller impact on the population level, but affect crash victims disproportionately and perceived risks deter potential cyclists. Basic data on crash risks are available, but evidence on determinants of risks is limited and impact models are highly dependent on local factors. Risks from air pollution can be assumed to be small, with limited evidence for cycling-specific mechanisms. Based on a large body of evidence, planners, health professionals, and decision-makers can rest assured that benefits from cycling-related physical activity are worth pursuing. Safety improvements should be part of the efforts to promote cycling, both to minimize negative impacts and to lower barriers to cycling for potential riders.Keywords
Funding Information
- The European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (EC-GA No. 602624)
This publication has 123 references indexed in Scilit:
- Replacing car trips by increasing bike and public transport in the greater Barcelona metropolitan area: A health impact assessment studyEnvironment International, 2012
- Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: an analysis of burden of disease and life expectancyThe Lancet, 2012
- Minimum amount of physical activity for reduced mortality and extended life expectancy: a prospective cohort studyThe Lancet, 2011
- Dose Response Between Physical Activity and Risk of Coronary Heart DiseaseCirculation, 2011
- Risk of injury for bicycling on cycle tracks versus in the streetInjury Prevention, 2011
- Deaths of cyclists in london: trends from 1992 to 2006BMC Public Health, 2010
- Injuries to pedal cyclists on New Zealand roads, 1988-2007BMC Public Health, 2010
- Minute ventilation of cyclists, car and bus passengers: an experimental studyEnvironmental Health, 2009
- The impact of transportation infrastructure on bicycling injuries and crashes: a review of the literatureEnvironmental Health, 2009
- Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease: How Much Is Enough?American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 2009