Study Finds Benefit in Proximity to Bike Lanes: 45 Minutes of Exercise a Week

Researchers in the United Kingdom have found that people who live near bike lanes are more likely to exercise—45 minutes more exercise per week, in fact.

1 minute read

July 21, 2014, 12:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Woman in Bike Lane, Toronto, Canada

Xander@416cyclestyle / Flickr

The study, conducted by the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, and published in the American Journal of Public Health, makes a compelling case for the public health benefits of wide-spread investment in bicycle infrastructure, according to an article by Sarah Barth.

The study examined three cities—Cardiff, Warwickshire, and Southampton—finding, "[those] living 0.6 miles from the new routes were found to do more walking and cycling - around 45 minutes per week. Those 2.5 miles away did not."

The study also finds evidence of the net positive benefit of the bike facilities for those who live nearby: "The study also found that the increase in walking and cycling was not offset by a reduction in other physical activity."

Dr. Anna Goodman, lead author of the study is quoted explaining the implications of the study: "The fact that we showed an increase in overall levels of physical activity is very important, and shows that interventions of this sort can play a part in wider public health efforts to prevent diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions."

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