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

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."