Colorado State University Scientists Uncover Benefits of Bicycles in Preventing Death save several hundred thousand people from premature death. The benefits of mass bicycle use are detailed in an article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives.
Experts analyzed the trends in the widespread use of bicycles, as well as the level of urban cycling in 17 countries, including Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, South Africa, UK and USA. They also modeled a scenario of widespread use of bicycles by 2050, which could rise with policies to improve cycling conditions. The mortality rate in this case was associated with the number of road traffic accidents, air pollution and physical activity.
According to researchers, up to 205,424 premature deaths can be prevented annually among the urban population aged 20-64, provided if all cycling trips replace road trips. In the United States, it is estimated that more than 15,000 premature deaths can be prevented in this way every year. If only eight percent of all cycling is substituted for car riding, then 18,589 premature deaths would be prevented annually in all countries surveyed.