Cycling and walking for individual and population health benefits (2018)

This review found that walking and cycling benefit health in a number of ways:

• people who walk or cycle have improved metabolic health and a reduced risk of premature mortality
• walking and cycling reduce the risk factors for a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, some cancers, and Type II diabetes
• walking and cycling also have positive effects on mental health and general wellbeing. The mental health and neurological benefits include reduced risk of dementia, improved sleep quality, and a greater sense of wellbeing
• in environmental terms, health benefits accrue for the general population from a reduction in pollution due to car use and a decrease in road congestion
• the evidence is that the health benefits of walking and cycling outweigh any potential health risks and harms – for example from injury or pollution.