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.
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."
FULL STORY: People living near cycle paths get 45 minutes' more exercise overall every week
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City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research