Published: 29th MAY 2018

Active Nation: The health benefits of cycling and walking in Scotland

It is well known that physical activity is key to people’s health and wellbeing, with numerous studies showing that people who walk and cycle enjoy longer and healthier lives.

A Woman Standing At Some Traffic Lights In Edinburgh

Increasingly, however, research on the long-term benefits of walking and cycling is uncovering benefits that are even greater than previously thought. Regular physical activity can help to prevent numerous serious health conditions and save the NHS millions of pounds each year.

Collating this research, some of the key findings include:

  • Regular cyclists reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 46%.
  • People who are physically active reduce chances of late-onset diabetes by between a third and a half.
  • Cycling to work reduces the risk of cancer by 45%.

Download Active Nation: The health benefits of cycling and walking in Scotland

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