By Priyanka Deshpande
CNBC-TV18.com
Published July 18, 2024
Active commuting has population-level health benefits and can contribute to reduced morbidity and mortality, according to a new study published in BMJ Public Health by UK researchers.
According to the study, walking or cycling was considered "active" travel, while every other mode of transportation, such as driving, was considered "inactive."
The study, as reported by NDTV, highlighted cyclists had a 47% reduced risk of early death and a 10% lower risk of hospitalisation for any reason than commuters who drive or take the train.
Cycling to work is linked to a 51% lower chance of dying from cancer, a 24% lower risk of heart disease hospitalisation, and a 20% lower risk of mental health medication, even after accounting for age and underlying conditions.
However, cycle commuters had twice as high chance of being a road traffic casualty compared with non-active commuters.
Walking to work is linked to a 7% lower chance of needing mental health medication and an 11% lower risk of hospital admission for any reason.
Over 82,000 UK residents, whose ages ranged from 16 to 74 at the beginning of the study, were monitored for 18 years.