Benefits of cycling outweigh damage caused by pollution
Posted on in Cycles News
A University of Cambridge study has revealed that even in cities with high pollution levels, the benefits of cycling to work far outweigh the risks.
Air pollution is a major problem in the capital and has been blamed for contributing to nearly 10,000 deaths a year. As such, Londoners are advised to avoid exercise several times per year due to the capital's high pollution rating. But the study found that this needn't be the case.
Dr Marko Tainio, of the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge hopes that his study would show that the benefits of being physically active and exercising outweigh pollution damage in most situations.
He said: "Our Don't worry about pollution, cycling is still good for you model indicates that in London health benefits of active travel always outweigh the risk from pollution."
"Even in Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world - with pollution levels 10 times those in London - people would need to cycle over five hours per week before the pollution risks outweigh the health benefits."
He added: "We should remember, though, that a small minority of workers in the most polluted cities, such as bike messengers, may be exposed to levels of air pollution high enough to cancel out the health benefits of physical activity."
Senior author Dr James Woodcock added: "Whilst this research demonstrates the benefits of physical activity in spite of air quality, it is not an argument for inaction in combating pollution.
"It provides further support for investment in infrastructure to get people out of their cars and onto their feet or their bikes - which can itself reduce pollution levels at the same time as supporting physical activity."