Bicycling a very effective means of preventive healthcare, research shows

[xchrom]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/02/10/bicycling-a-very-effective-means-of-preventive-healthcare-research-shows/

***SNIP

Karin Olafson, writing for Momentum Magazine, comments on this reality, while referencing a pair of recent studies on the subject:

A study led by Dr. Thomas Götschi of the Institute of Social and Preventative Medicine at the University of Zurich examined the costs and benefits of bicycling in Portland, OR. Götschi’s findings are startling: “By 2040, investments [in everyday bicycling in the USA] in the range of $138 to $605 million will result in health care cost savings of $388 to $594 million (…) and savings in value of statistical lives of $7 to $12 billion.” Götschi’s study is the first cost-benefit analysis of investments in bicycling.

A study conducted by Jonathan Patz and Maggie Grabow of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and published in Environmental Health Perspectives looked to quantify the benefits of reduced car usage in 11 metropolitan areas in the upper Midwestern United States. The study found that replacing short car trips with biking could net health benefits of $4.94 billion per year in the study area. Mortality could also decline by roughly 1,000 per year due to increased fitness levels and improved air quality.

In light of these findings, there remains resistance, mostly political, in accepting the benefits of daily bicycling as preventive health care. The Obama administration’s Affordable Care Act has set aside money for improving bicycling conditions through the Prevention and Public Health Fund. However, according to The Wall Street Journal, none of the 85 cities in the US that are actively installing better bicycle infrastructure (including protected bike lanes, trails, and bike share systems) have accessed these funds. Connecting bicycling to preventive health care in the US has yet to gain public acceptance and would draw resistance to these projects.

[bemildred]

1. Walking is excellent too. And swimming. nt

[leftyladyfrommo]

2. Unless you fall off.

Seems like everyone I know manages to fall and really hurt themselves.

[Portland Cyclist]

3. Injuries

Yeah the injuries are the only catch to cycling. I still think it's definitely worth the risk though!

[link:http://www.edgarsnyder.com/bicycle/bicycle-safety-resource-center/bicycle-statistics.html|

[handmade34]

4. !!!

trading my road bike for a mountain bike this week

[SheilaT]

5. Getting moderate exercise on a regular basis is important.

For some people, riding a bicycle will be the way to do it.