Benefits of Cycling to Work
Part 3 - for your health❤️
Good for your health!
Cycling to work isn’t just good for your wallet and the planet - it’s transformative for your physical and mental health. Incorporating cycling into your daily routine has been shown to improve overall well-being, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and even boost your mood.
The World Health Organisation recommends 150-300 mins of moderate intensity physical activity per week. That may sound like a lot but If you cycled 4.5km to work and back twice per week you’d knock off 80 of those minutes, so it’s the low hanging fruit to get more people moving more often.
Here’s why cycling to work is one of the best things you can do for your health:
Physical Health Benefits
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
Cycling is a low-impact aerobic exercise that strengthens your heart, lungs, and muscles. Regular cycling reduces the risk of developing major health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. Studies show that people who cycle to work have a 46% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who commute by car
Weight Management and Fitness
Cycling is also an effective way to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. A 30-minute bike commute can burn around 300 calories, helping to improve your metabolic rate and build muscle tone over time. For someone cycling to work 2 days a week over a year, that could mean burning over 30,000 calories - the equivalent of 8 kilograms of body fat!
Improved Joint Health
Unlike high-impact activities such as running, cycling is gentle on your joints. This makes it an excellent option for people recovering from injuries or looking to improve their mobility without putting undue stress on their bodies. For older populations and those with disability it allows you to stay active where other spots become less of a viable option. It’s worth mentioning that as we age our bone density decreases and our lean muscle mass declines. Some load bearing exercise is also great - and it doesn’t have to be heavy lifting in the gym, walking, aerobics, and bodyweight movements all help.
Mental Health Benefits
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Cycling has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. A morning ride to work helps you start your day feeling energised and clear-headed, while an evening ride home can reduce the stress of your workday. Studies have shown that regular cyclists report lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to non-cyclists.
Boosted Mood and Better Sleep
Cycling increases the production of endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in your brain. This not only boosts your mood but also enhances cognitive function, helping you stay focused and productive throughout the day.
Community & Environmental Health
Cycling is virtually silent, unlike cars, which contribute to urban noise pollution with engines, horns, and tire noise. Lower noise levels in cities not only improve quality of life but are also associated with reduced stress and better mental health. Studies have shown that chronic exposure to traffic noise can increase stress hormones and negatively impact cardiovascular health. By cycling, you’re helping to create quieter, calmer environments for everyone.
Cycling contributes to healthier communities by reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. Cleaner air and less noise pollution have improve public health outcomes, including lower rates of respiratory illnesses.
A study by the University of Auckland in 2010 found that a 5% shift to cycling would reduce the health-damaging air pollutants - carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide (NOx), and particulates (PM10) – by 1,449 tonnes, 161 tonnes, and 12.3 tonnes, respectively.
Cycling regularly is linked to improved physical and mental health, which can lead to fewer sick days and lower healthcare expenses. Research indicates that active commuters experience reduced risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Investing in your health by cycling can lead to long-term savings.
Ready to Improve your health with workride?
At Workride, we make cycling to work easier and more affordable than ever. With our salary sacrifice program, you can offset 32-63% off the cost on a new bike, e-bike or e-scooter, making it accessible to everyone. By encouraging your workplace to join Workride, you’re not only investing in your health but also promoting a healthier, more sustainable community.
Start your Workride journey for free today!
Click the link below and complete the form to receive a free information pack.