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Cyclists in Bradford could significantly reduce risk of developing cancer and heart disease, study finds.

By Elle Rigby

 

A large study from Glasgow University has shown that cycling to work could help you live longer, reducing the risk of early death by 40 per cent.

Scientists from Glasgow’s five-year long study looked at more than a quarter of a million people finding that people who commute to work on a bicycle reduce their risk of cancer and heart disease by almost HALF.

Bradford council aims to boost cycling with the Bradford District Cycling Strategy, setting out the ambition of ‘making Bradford district a place where cycling is naturally a part of everyone’s daily life’.

Claire Wright, Chair of the Bradford Cycle Forum, said: “This is an exciting time for cycling in Bradford as projects worked on over many years come to fruition.

“The strategy articulates a vision where all of us, including importantly our kids, have the training and facilities to regain their freedom and fitness – leading to better air quality and health for everyone.”

The research from Glasgow University found that cycling to work is associated with a 45% lower risk of developing cancer and a 46% lower risk of heart disease, compared to a non-active commute.

Walking to work was also found to be good for health and was associated with 27% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a 36% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.

GP Dr Andrew Coward says cycling is more active and dynamic, saying: “When you’re on a bike you’re cycling up a hill and then you’re down a hill – you’re cycling quickly, you’re cycling slower.

“You get short of breath, your heart beats a bit faster, all of those things are really really important for disease prevention.”

These commuters told BCB 106.6 FM what they think about the topic.

What do you think?