A new study finds that biking to work does wonders for reducing stress levels throughout the day. Too bad most it's so hard to fund biking infrastructure.
Lloyd Alter reports on a study out of the Calming Technology lab that finds bike commutes can improve stress. The researchers collected data using Spire breathing monitors from over 20,000 commutes by 1,000 commuters. "Not only did cyclists arrive at work less stressed, but an hour later were still more relaxed than those who came by transit or car," reports Alter. "They are also in better shape when they reverse the commute and go home…"
Alter acknowledges that the new study is only the latest in a growing body of work connecting bike commutes to reduced stress levels. Alter begs the question, after linking to several previous studies, of when politicians will catch up with the science and start spending money on infrastructure that supports healthy commutes, rather then more and bigger freeways.
FULL STORY: Stressed at work? Commute by bike.
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.
Promoting Cycling as Public Health Measure
An argument for better bike infrastructure from a healthcare perspective.
Historically Redlined Neighborhoods Have Higher Rates of Pedestrian Deaths, Study Says
The consequences of historic redlining continue to have consequences in the present day United States. Add another example to the list.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion
The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits
Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.
For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits
Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.
New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place
The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
Los Alamos County
City of Culver City
American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Cambridge, Maryland
Newport County Development Council: Connect Greater Newport
Rockdale County Board of Commissioners