​Cycling to work can reduce sick days and increase performance

A number of different studies indicate that cycling is good for health and can even increase performance at work and reduce the number of sick days. Cycling is simple and suits most people. In many ways, the bicycle is the perfect means of transport, but above all, cycling is enjoyable. Being able to roll past all those lines of cars during rush hour is a wonderful feeling.

There are a number of different studies which show that commuting by bike is as good for your health as a dedicated training programme. The study, ”Effect of Commuter Cycling on Physical Performance of Male and Female Employees” shows that participants who commuted by bike for an average of 8.5 km at least 3 times a week increased their physical performance by fully 13 per cent after 6 months.

Another report produced by Cycling England indicates that cycling can reduce numerous health risks, including heart problems and cancer, which are common causes of death. Their report, ”Cycling and Health – What’s the Evidence”, gathers conclusions from a large range of studies and research projects which emphasise the positive health effects of cycling.

Another effect which cycling has, and which also has an impact on people's health who are not cyclists themselves, is reduced emissions of exhaust gases. In its plan for enhanced public health, London's transport agency, Transport for London, reports that cycling improves health and air quality, and also reduces accidents, noise and other forms of urban pollution.(”Improving the Health of Londoners – Transport Action Plan”)

Frequent cycling is an excellent investment in good health. It is an effective way of improving fitness, increasing burn-off and feeling better. Compared with running, cycling is considerably kinder to joints and muscles, which makes it a good activity for untrained people to start with. When you cycle, you don't need to carry your own weight, which can make it easier for overweight people and can represent a first step in getting started and moving about. Cycling with a higher resistance can also provide effective muscular training for thighs and calves.

It is good to start carefully at a gentle pace, and to let the other bikes pass. To start with you can also walk your bike up hills. It is also good to learn to cycle in such a way that you are not dripping with sweat. You will then note that you can cycle to work in ordinary clothes and not in full cycling gear. It is better to take it nice and easy than to that torment yourself too much. If it's enjoyable, it is also more likely that you will continue.

Cycling to work or school means that the time spent travelling is also a time for exercise. An effective way of training on an everyday basis. And it isn't just about exercise. Think how nice it is to arrive at work or school after a bike ride and how much easier it is to tackle your daily tasks. Or to empty your head of all thoughts of work or school during the bike road home.