Health

34,000 people could avoid major illnesses by cycling more

The study said rates of diabetes, cancer and depression would decrease by 2040 if the government committed to increasing cycling

Some 34,000 people across seven UK cities could prevent the onset of life-threatening diseases by 2040 if cycling became as popular as it is in London, a report has revealed.

Walking and cycling charity Sustrans looked at the health, economic and environmental benefits of cycling could look like within 21 years in Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Greater Manchester and Newcastle. The analysis shows that cases of type 2 diabetes, stroke, breast cancer and depression would decrease if people in those cities swapped other kinds of transport for cycling.

The study, based on existing cycling data from cities across the UK, argues for doubling average cycling trips every eight years between 2017 and 2040. This eight-fold increase in cycling would equate to over 242.4 million hours of physical activity. It is estimated that this would prevent 628 early deaths, generate £21bn savings for the economy and £319m savings for the NHS (which currently spends £1bn a year as a result of inactivity).

The charity warned that the substantial health benefits from increased cycling would only be possible with long-term political commitment and investment across government. It called for a high-quality cycling network, neighbourhoods redesigned with walkers and cyclers in mind, incentives for people to change their travel behaviours and for cycling to become fully integrated with public transport, home and work.

Xavier Brice, Sustrans chief executive, said: “Our report provides 34,000 reasons why governments across the UK should prioritise investment in cycling. Every part of the country is facing a physical inactivity and obesity crisis, which is why decision-makers need to get on the front foot and tackle these problems head-on.

“Prevention is better than cure is an often repeated mantra of health ministers across the UK, but tackling the deepening health crisis shouldn’t be left to the NHS alone.”

Support the Big Issue

For over 30 years, the Big Issue has been committed to ending poverty in the UK. In 2024, our work is needed more than ever. Find out how you can support the Big Issue today.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
'Gin, pliers and brute force:' Dentists accuse Rishi Sunak of forcing Brits to pull their own teeth
Dental crisis

'Gin, pliers and brute force:' Dentists accuse Rishi Sunak of forcing Brits to pull their own teeth

Cost of living or Generation Snowflake? Boomers and Gen Z disagree on causes of youth mental health crisis
Mental health

Cost of living or Generation Snowflake? Boomers and Gen Z disagree on causes of youth mental health crisis

The Big Issue and Specsavers: A Visionary Partnership for Change
Sponsored post

The Big Issue and Specsavers: A Visionary Partnership for Change

Cost of living crisis sees more and more children seeking mental health help: 'I feel like a burden'
children
Mental health

Cost of living crisis sees more and more children seeking mental health help: 'I feel like a burden'

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Here's when UK households to start receiving last cost of living payments

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know