tag:theconversation.com,2011:/global/topics/cycling-to-work-37874/articlesCycling to work – The Conversation2022-01-04T02:35:02Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1696872022-01-04T02:35:02Z2022-01-04T02:35:02ZBike kitchens: the community-run repair workshops that help build a culture of cycling<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429257/original/file-20211029-26-1nkvavl.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=22%2C36%2C4904%2C3382&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">James Batterbury</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Cycling <a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/features/long-reads/cycling-environmental-impact/">reduces greenhouse gas emissions</a>, brings myriad <a href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2021/215/9/2021-report-mja-lancet-countdown-health-and-climate-change-australia?utm_source=carousel&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=homepage">health benefits</a> and reduces traffic. But urban planners and policymakers often struggle to get more people on bikes.</p>
<p>To increase urban cycling, we need more than extra cycling infrastructure; we need a culture change. A worldwide movement of community bike workshops, also known as bike kitchens, can help.</p>
<p>Bike kitchens offer tools, second hand parts and bikes, and convivial help with repairs. They are also hubs for community development. </p>
<p>Since 2014 we have <a href="https://bikeworkshopsresearch.wordpress.com/workshops-visited/">visited over 50</a> bike kitchens around the world – in the US, Australia, NZ, UK, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Mexico and Belgium to research how they operate. We have also volunteered and led student projects at several workshops. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429242/original/file-20211029-25-1u7otmx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A woman repairs a bike." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429242/original/file-20211029-25-1u7otmx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429242/original/file-20211029-25-1u7otmx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429242/original/file-20211029-25-1u7otmx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429242/original/file-20211029-25-1u7otmx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429242/original/file-20211029-25-1u7otmx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429242/original/file-20211029-25-1u7otmx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429242/original/file-20211029-25-1u7otmx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Bike kitchens offer tools, second hand parts and bikes, and convivial help with repairs.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
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<h2>Building a culture of cycling</h2>
<p>Dedicated bike lanes, road treatments and bike parking are relatively cheap to build and maintain compared to roads, car parks, and major public transport schemes. There is <a href="https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/cycling-sustainable-cities">some correlation</a> between better bike infrastructure and more riders. </p>
<p>But better infrastructure alone does not solve the problem. In Paris, with its pro-bike mayor and traffic calming initiatives, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/02/world/europe/paris-bicyles-france.html">a recent explosion in bike use</a> has led to accidents and clashes, suggesting other factors like social acceptance and up-skilling need attention. </p>
<p>In lockdown this year, Sydney experienced a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/oct/31/spike-in-cycling-accidents-during-sydney-lockdown-as-more-people-took-to-two-wheels">78% increase in cycling injuries</a> when more people took to their bikes. </p>
<p>Cycling in cities is a <a href="https://www.simonbatterbury.net/pubs/sociality%20of%20cycling%20preprint.pdf">social practice</a>, and building a <em>culture</em> of cycling is essential – especially where bike use has traditionally been low. </p>
<p>It’s essential to cycling culture that a critical mass of people have riding and bike maintenance skills, and the activity is more socially accepted.</p>
<p>That’s where bike kitchens come in.</p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429258/original/file-20211029-23-1tkvrgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429258/original/file-20211029-23-1tkvrgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429258/original/file-20211029-23-1tkvrgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=409&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429258/original/file-20211029-23-1tkvrgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=409&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429258/original/file-20211029-23-1tkvrgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=409&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429258/original/file-20211029-23-1tkvrgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=514&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429258/original/file-20211029-23-1tkvrgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=514&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429258/original/file-20211029-23-1tkvrgk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=514&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">WeCycle, a workshop in Gumbri Park, Melbourne gives free bikes to asylum seekers, refugees, and people in need.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Simon Batterbury</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
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<h2>Convivial places to build and repair a bike</h2>
<p>Bike kitchen workshops are initiated and run by activists and socially-minded cyclists. Most teach hands-on <a href="http://modularbikes.com.au/thecyclezoo.html">self-repair and maintenance</a> skills to people who want to learn. Others give away free bikes to those who need them.</p>
<p>Workshops extend the use life of bicycles and components. They are part of the <a href="https://www.communityeconomies.org/">community economy</a> and interrupt the waste stream; most parts come from donated or scavenged bikes and are re-used creatively and cheaply with a DIY ethos, avoiding new consumption. </p>
<p>Some bikes may be sold to support ongoing workshop costs, but rarely for high prices. </p>
<p>Workshops numbers have grown since the 1990s, and are widespread across Europe, the <a href="https://en.bikebike.org/">Americas</a>, Australasia and the rest of the world.</p>
<p>The largest concentration is in France. Most are networked through <a href="https://www.heureux-cyclage.org/?lang=en">l'Heureux Cyclage</a>, which coordinates events, logistics, and learning between 250 workshops, assisting well over 110,000 people yearly. </p>
<p>Brussels has at least 18, like <a href="https://cycloperativa.org/">Cycloperativa</a>, spread across the city’s <em>arrondissements</em>. </p>
<p>Ten bike workshops operate in Austria, with at least four in Vienna. They include <a href="http://flickerei.blogsport.at/">Flickerei</a> and <a href="http://fahrrad.wuk.at/">WUK</a> which, established in 1983, is probably the world’s oldest.</p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/we-analysed-100-million-bike-trips-to-reveal-where-in-the-world-cyclists-are-most-likely-to-brave-rain-and-cold-166894">We analysed 100 million bike trips to reveal where in the world cyclists are most likely to brave rain and cold</a>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429248/original/file-20211029-18-1f92h2a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="A woman and a man work together on a bike." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429248/original/file-20211029-18-1f92h2a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429248/original/file-20211029-18-1f92h2a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429248/original/file-20211029-18-1f92h2a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429248/original/file-20211029-18-1f92h2a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429248/original/file-20211029-18-1f92h2a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429248/original/file-20211029-18-1f92h2a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429248/original/file-20211029-18-1f92h2a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Workshops extend the use life of bicycles and components.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Shutterstock</span></span>
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<h2>How bike kitchens work</h2>
<p>There are two main types of bike kitchens: </p>
<p>1) places where tools, parts and bike stands are offered for anybody to use, assisted by workshop volunteers and sometimes by paid mechanics. Most are social enterprises or non-profits, promoting what’s known in French as <em>vélonomie</em>: the ability of a cyclist to maintain a bicycle and ride safely and with confidence. </p>
<p>2) those that fix bikes for others – often for the disadvantaged – such as <a href="http://www.wecycle-melbourne.com/">WeCycle</a> in <a href="https://www.racv.com.au/royalauto/transport/bike-repair-community-victoria.html">Melbourne</a> which offers bikes to refugees and asylum seekers. <a href="https://workingbikes.org">Working Bikes</a> in Chicago sends bikes to the Global South.</p>
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<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/what-australia-can-learn-from-bicycle-friendly-cities-overseas-144283">What Australia can learn from bicycle-friendly cities overseas</a>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428122/original/file-20211024-21-m32uqd.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428122/original/file-20211024-21-m32uqd.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/428122/original/file-20211024-21-m32uqd.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/428122/original/file-20211024-21-m32uqd.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/428122/original/file-20211024-21-m32uqd.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/428122/original/file-20211024-21-m32uqd.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/428122/original/file-20211024-21-m32uqd.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/428122/original/file-20211024-21-m32uqd.JPG?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Récup'R in its former premises in Bordeaux, France.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Simon Batterbury</span></span>
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<p>There are often <a href="https://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2019/02/n-bicas-wtf?fbclid=IwAR0HLBMrFnZpuI544-15XJWLesi_KDU86RRLgh4CcCixsGXuPsgg22lFtxU">fixing sessions</a> and other activities for specific ages, <a href="https://www.heureux-cyclage.org/panorama-2019-des-ateliers-velo-en.html?lang=fr">genders</a> and groups. At one of the oldest French bike workshops, <em><a href="http://www.ptitvelo.net/">Un p'tit vélo dans la tête</a></em> in Grenoble, one volunteer told us some fixing sessions are women-only. </p>
<p>For members of the public without money, earn-a-bike programs convert volunteer hours into eventual bike ownership. </p>
<p>Workshop rules vary, but almost all <a href="https://en.bikebike.org/policy/">forbid</a> racist and sexist behaviour and support <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iMGC4A3L3I">conviviality</a>, diversity and respect. The main goal is “integrating a community”, the same volunteer told us.</p>
<p>Over time, a few diversify to become big social enterprises, like <a href="https://www.cyclo.org/en">Cyclo</a> in Brussels. Fees from memberships or workshop time, bike sales or government employment schemes allow some workshops to take on paid staff. </p>
<p>Others like <em><a href="http://velorution.org/paris/atelier/bastille/">Atelier Vélorutionaire</a></em> in Paris reject commercial or government support entirely, championing a more militant stance against cars and capitalism. </p>
<h2>Bike kitchens in Australia</h2>
<p>Australia has had many community bike projects dating back over 30 years, with <a href="https://thebikeshed.org.au/">The Bike Shed</a> in Melbourne being one of the first. Workshops come and go, but there are at least 18, with seven in Melbourne and four in Sydney. </p>
<p>Many smaller initiatives work in schools, churches, or at recycling centres. They are networked through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/989483538572616">BiCANZ</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.wecycle-melbourne.com/">WeCycle</a> in Melbourne is a workshop focused on fixing bikes for others. Founders <a href="https://matildabowra.com/tag/gayle-potts/">Gayle Potts</a> and Craig Jackson have supplied refurbished bikes to asylum seekers, refugees and people in need since 2016.</p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429539/original/file-20211101-15-d4g21a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="Bikes in an Australian community bike workshop." src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429539/original/file-20211101-15-d4g21a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/429539/original/file-20211101-15-d4g21a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429539/original/file-20211101-15-d4g21a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429539/original/file-20211101-15-d4g21a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=450&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429539/original/file-20211101-15-d4g21a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429539/original/file-20211101-15-d4g21a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/429539/original/file-20211101-15-d4g21a.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=566&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Donated bikes accumulate in a workshop, ready for repair and re-homing.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Simon Batterbury</span>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
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<h2>A community approach to sustainable transport</h2>
<p>Workshops need volunteers and secure premises with power and light, on or off-grid. Limited budgets make this a challenge.</p>
<p>While workshops can be co-housed, secure premises is the key area where support from government and bike-friendly donors is welcome. Tools, racks and spares are also needed.</p>
<p>Community bike workshops extend bicycle lifespans and promote a community approach to sustainable transport – all while promoting <a href="https://arl.human.cornell.edu/linked%20docs/Illich_Tools_for_Conviviality.pdf">conviviality</a> and making our cities more liveable. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/do-the-sums-bicycle-friendly-changes-are-good-business-58213">Do the sums: bicycle-friendly changes are good business</a>
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<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/169687/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Simon Batterbury received funding from the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, University of Melbourne and Cosmopolis, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. The assistance of Bernardita del Real, Stephen Nurse, Derlie Mateo-Babiano, Alexandre Rigal, Max Teppner and Carlos Uxo is appreciated. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Alejandro Manga is a board member of L'Heureux Cyclage. He has a research grant from the Mobile Lives Forum that partly funds the European part of his PhD. He is a dual degree PhD Candidate in the program of Communication, Culture and Media (Drexel University, Philadelphia) and in Urban and Regional Planning at Université Gustave Eiffel LVMT.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Matthias Kowasch is affiliated with Chôros (<a href="https://www.choros.place/">https://www.choros.place/</a>).</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Ruth Lane has received funding from the ARC.</span></em></p>Building a culture of cycling is essential, especially where bike use is low. A global movement of community bike workshops, also known as bike kitchens, can help.Simon Batterbury, Associate Professor, The University of MelbourneAlejandro Manga, PhD candidate, Drexel UniversityMatthias Kowasch, Professor of Didactics in Geography, Pädagogische Hochschule Steiermark Ruth Lane, Associate Professor in Human Geography, Monash UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1421762020-07-22T19:53:12Z2020-07-22T19:53:12ZCycling and walking can help drive Australia’s recovery – but not with less than 2% of transport budgets<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/348336/original/file-20200720-33-5f1r73.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C20%2C4608%2C3428&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">
</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/brisbanequeenslandaustralia21-october-2019-aussie-riding-along-1555145036">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>What do <a href="https://bicyclensw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/966-0320-Summary-of-Principles-for-Good-Bike-Infrastructure-070520.pdf">bike paths</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/city-temperatures-and-city-economics-a-hidden-relationship-between-sun-and-wind-and-profits-116064">walk-friendly streets</a> have to do with economic recovery from a pandemic-induced <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-will-the-coronavirus-recession-compare-with-the-worst-in-australias-history-136379">recession</a>? How could removing a car parking space <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-03-13/every-study-ever-conducted-on-the-impact-converting-street-parking-into-bike-lanes-has-on-businesses">benefit a local business</a>? Instead of considering such questions, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101486">building roads for cars</a> is often seen as the obvious answer to “kick-start” the economy. </p>
<p>In this article, we explain how cycling and walking infrastructure is a better investment for recovery. Every kilometre walked or cycled has an <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2008.11.001">economic</a> <a href="https://www.atap.gov.au/mode-specific-guidance/active-travel/5-estimation-of-benefits">benefit</a> by reducing traffic congestion and vehicle operating costs, improving health and the environment, and saving on infrastructure spending. It’s <a href="https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/physical-activity/publications/2008/economic-analyses-of-transport-infrastructure-and-policies-including-health-effects-related-to-cycling-and-walking-a-systematic-review">estimated</a> every dollar invested in cycling infrastructure may reap up to five dollars’ worth of benefits.</p>
<p>In Australia, however, walking and cycling only receive between <a href="https://bicyclensw.org.au/lagging-behind-the-pack-correction/">0.1%</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/cycling-and-walking-are-short-changed-when-it-comes-to-transport-funding-in-australia-92574">2%</a> of transport budgets. </p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/cycling-and-walking-are-short-changed-when-it-comes-to-transport-funding-in-australia-92574">Cycling and walking are short-changed when it comes to transport funding in Australia</a>
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<p>A sustained lack of investment is one reason only <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyReleaseDate/7DD5DC715B608612CA2581BF001F8404?OpenDocument">5% of trips to work</a> in Australia are by foot or bicycle. Yet the majority of city journeys are <a href="https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/-/media/ProgramsandProjects/PlanningHealthyEnvironments/Attachments/vhtransch3.pdf?la=en&hash=BD49C15BA932B97CF11275C5EE7CEA85A17176F3">short enough to walk or cycle</a> for most people. </p>
<p>With <a href="https://theconversation.com/cars-rule-as-coronavirus-shakes-up-travel-trends-in-our-cities-142175">people now shunning public transport</a>, our roads are becoming even more congested. In a win-win scenario, walk-friendly and bike-friendly <a href="https://healthyactivebydesign.com.au/design-features/movement-networks">design</a> can improve driving conditions, because fewer vehicles clog the roads. So instead of just building roads, is now not the time also to invest in <a href="https://healthyactivebydesign.com.au/design-features/movement-networks">proper</a> walking and cycling infrastructure? </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1280721128831381504"}"></div></p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/cars-rule-as-coronavirus-shakes-up-travel-trends-in-our-cities-142175">Cars rule as coronavirus shakes up travel trends in our cities</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>Road building versus path building</h2>
<p>Road building is typically <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101486">depoliticised</a> and so is widely <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101486">seen as a legitimate way</a> to stimulate economic growth. But simply building more roads may not reduce traffic or speed up journey times in the long term.</p>
<p>Road building leads to more traffic through <a href="https://theconversation.com/do-more-roads-really-mean-less-congestion-for-commuters-39508">induced car use</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2020.101486">car dependence</a>. If the default option for short journeys is driving, <a href="https://theconversation.com/rethinking-traffic-congestion-to-make-our-cities-more-like-the-places-we-want-them-to-be-111614">congestion ultimately gets worse</a> as the population grows.</p>
<p>Australians make <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyreleasedate/7DD5DC715B608612CA2581BF001F8404?OpenDocument">three-quarters</a> of all trips to work by car. Most have no passengers. </p>
<p>Yet more than half of car journeys in cities are <a href="https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/-/media/ProgramsandProjects/PlanningHealthyEnvironments/Attachments/vhtransch3.pdf?la=en&hash=BD49C15BA932B97CF11275C5EE7CEA85A17176F3">shorter than 5km</a>. These trips would be <a href="https://www.atap.gov.au/mode-specific-guidance/active-travel/5-estimation-of-benefits">well suited to walking and cycling</a>. <a href="https://healthyactivebydesign.com.au/design-features/movement-networks">Safe and enticing</a> walkable streets and cycling paths are key to inducing this swap. </p>
<p>Australia has already committed billions of dollars to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/first-look-inside-sydney-s-3-billion-northconnex-tunnel-20200622-p554zh.html">road-building</a> projects as well as community infrastructure to “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=301290454378292&ref=watch_permalink">grow out of the COVID-19 recession</a>”. Ultimately, though, if we want less traffic, we need to invest more of this money in walkable streetscapes and safe separated bike paths. </p>
<p>This investment will increase walking and cycling, leading to the many benefits that flow from these behaviours. And enticing people out of their <a href="https://theconversation.com/to-get-people-out-of-cars-we-need-to-know-why-they-drive-27279">comfy cars</a> for short journeys will result in fewer trips by car. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/do-the-sums-bicycle-friendly-changes-are-good-business-58213">Do the sums: bicycle-friendly changes are good business</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>What transport budgets tell us</h2>
<p>Comparing Australian budgets to other countries’ investment in active transport modes, we’re not doing well. Budgets would have to increase at least tenfold to achieve the United Nations recommendation that <a href="https://europa.eu/capacity4dev/file/31600/download?token=jJbDKsE3">20% of the transport budget</a> be invested in “non-motorised transport”. </p>
<p>And many countries have moved rapidly to commit major investments to cycling and walking since COVID-19. For example, <a href="https://static.rasset.ie/documents/news/2020/06/draft-programme-for-govt.pdf">Ireland</a> recently committed <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/06/15/former-bike-shop-owner-soon-to-be-irelands-prime-minister-secures-1-million-a-day-for-5-years-boost-for-walking-and-cycling/#bd04c8a5c012">billions of euros</a> to walking and cycling infrastructure, equivalent to 20% of its transport budget. </p>
<p>Considering our lack of investment, it’s easy to see why Australia is car-dependent. This is despite Australia having both great <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966692314001951">weather</a> and <a href="https://bicyclensw.org.au/big-country-wider-car-lanes/">wide roads</a> to accommodate increased space for cycling and walking. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/physical-distancing-is-here-for-a-while-over-100-experts-call-for-more-safe-walking-and-cycling-space-137374">Physical distancing is here for a while – over 100 experts call for more safe walking and cycling space</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>An equity issue</h2>
<p><a href="https://profile.id.com.au/australia/car-ownership">Many</a> Australians, for reasons of disadvantage, disability or age, may not have access to a car. The typical cost of owning a car is <a href="https://www.savings.com.au/car-loans/ongoing-car-costs">A$300 per week</a>. Increasing spending on walking and cycling infrastructure will therefore improve equity by helping low-income earners and others who need inexpensive mobility. </p>
<p>Poor active transport infrastructure disproportionately <a href="https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/321154/On-the-Go-How-women-get-around-our-city.pdf">disadvantages women</a>. They cycle less than men and report a need for the safety of separated cycleways among other infrastructure. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/own-a-bike-you-never-ride-we-need-to-learn-how-to-fail-better-at-active-transport-126112">Own a bike you never ride? We need to learn how to fail better at active transport</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>Poor infrastructure also <a href="https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/relationship-between-transport-and-disadvantage-austr">limits</a> children, older adults and people living with a disability from accessing the services they need. Many older Australians depend on public transport and on the quality of the walking environment around their homes and their most common destinations. </p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1258773473087893505"}"></div></p>
<p>On average, <a href="https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/car-insurance/research/car-accident-statistics.html">three people a day die</a> on Australian roads. Fewer car trips would help reduce the road toll. Similarly, increased investments in separated spaces for cycling and walking, as well as lower speeds on local streets, will reduce collisions between cars and bikes, as well as pedestrian-motorist conflicts. </p>
<h2>COVID-19 provides a unique opportunity</h2>
<p>COVID-19 has led to a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/apr/22/bicycles-are-the-new-toilet-paper-bike-sales-boom-as-coronavirus-lockdown-residents-crave-exercise">boom</a> in bicycle sales, <a href="https://t.co/uzUch4mVEH?amp=1">reduced</a> speed limits, wider footpaths, <a href="https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/media-releases/new-pop-up-cycleways-to-help-us-get-back-to-work-and-school">pop-up</a> bicycle <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/car-parks-out-footpaths-and-cycling-lanes-in-as-city-prepares-for-post-covid-commuters-20200507-p54qrp.html">lanes</a>, increased walking and <a href="https://doi.org/10.32866/001c.13405">new cyclists</a>. Some of this has come about following <a href="https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/6736341/why-city-needs-to-be-put-on-a-road-diet/?cs=4464">calls</a> <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-dBhS2mhOX6y8aH6MWYfg1J483Bz8o8j/view">for</a> “<a href="https://www.spaceforhealth.org/">Space For Health</a>”. </p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/we-cant-let-coronavirus-kill-our-cities-heres-how-we-can-save-urban-life-137063">We can't let coronavirus kill our cities. Here's how we can save urban life</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1278875251414151168"}"></div></p>
<p>We should “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=301290454378292&ref=watch_permalink">grow out of the COVID-19 recession</a>” by building back better through investment to sustain this increase in walking and cycling. Our call to action is therefore:</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="A call to action for COVID-19 Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Investment" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/347548/original/file-20200715-27-3i49wz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/347548/original/file-20200715-27-3i49wz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/347548/original/file-20200715-27-3i49wz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/347548/original/file-20200715-27-3i49wz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=849&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/347548/original/file-20200715-27-3i49wz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/347548/original/file-20200715-27-3i49wz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/347548/original/file-20200715-27-3i49wz.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1067&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption"></span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Matthew Mclaughlin</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>While Australia’s cities have invested in walking and cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s less than some <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/02/10/prime-minister-boris-johnson-pledges-5-billion-in-new-cash-for-buses-and-bicycle-infrastructure/#8b1ff706df6f">other</a> countries have invested. For example, Paris has accelerated the installation of <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/04/22/paris-to-create-650-kilometers-of-pop-up-corona-cycleways-for-post-lockdown-travel/#13d8daa654d4">650km</a> of cycleways by removing <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/carltonreid/2020/04/22/paris-to-create-650-kilometers-of-pop-up-corona-cycleways-for-post-lockdown-travel/#13d8daa654d4">72% of its on-street parking</a>. Scotland is proposing to “<a href="https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/media/5413/walk-back-better-national-walking-strategy-delivery-forum-statement.pdf">Walk Back Better</a>” from COVID-19.</p>
<p><div data-react-class="Tweet" data-react-props="{"tweetId":"1255525752281468936"}"></div></p>
<p>It is good to see investment in Australian cities increasing. But now is the time to help kick-start our COVID-19 recovery by investing more in walking and cycling, and to reap the many benefits for the Australian community.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/142176/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Matthew Mclaughlin is affiliated with the International Society for Physical Activity and Health. He receives funding from the Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour at the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Cancer Research Alliance. He is the Secretary of Newcastle Cycleways Movement. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Trevor Shilton is Director of Active Living at the Heart Foundation of Australia. He is affiliated with the International Society for Physical Activity and Health, the International Union for Health Promotion and Education and the Australasian Society for Physical Activity</span></em></p>Investing more in cycling and walking would boost both physical and economic health, with a typical return of $5 for every $1 spent on cycling infrastructure.Matthew Mclaughlin, PhD Candidate, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of NewcastleTrevor Shilton, Adjunct Professor, School of Public Health, Curtin UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1178192019-07-04T19:47:55Z2019-07-04T19:47:55ZWalking and cycling to work makes commuters happier and more productive<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/279944/original/file-20190618-118522-jcpmyv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">The stress of commuting by car can affect workers' well-being and productivity.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source">Flamingo Images/Shutterstock</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>In Australia, <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/2071.0.55.001%7E2016%7EMain%20Features%7EFeature%20Article:%20Journey%20to%20Work%20in%20Australia%7E40">more than 9 million people</a> commute to work every weekday. The distance they travel and how they get there – car, public transport, cycling or walking – can influence their well-being and performance at work. </p>
<p>Our <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0966692318307269">study</a>, involving 1,121 full-time workers who commute daily to work, made several important findings:</p>
<ul>
<li>those who commute longer distances tend to have more days off work</li>
<li>among middle-aged workers, those who walk or cycle performed better in the workplace</li>
<li>Those who commute short distances, walk or cycle to work, are more likely to be happy commuters, which makes them more productive.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-the-everyday-commute-is-changing-who-we-are-100323">How the everyday commute is changing who we are</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<p>In Australia, full-time workers spend <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-09/commuting-times-travel-shorten/6592510">5.75 hours</a> a week on average travelling to and from work. Among them, nearly <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-09/commuting-times-travel-shorten/6592510">a quarter</a> of commutes can be classed as lengthy (travel for 45 minutes or more one way). </p>
<p>Long commutes not only cause physical and mental strains on workers, but may also affect their work participation, engagement and productivity.</p>
<p>And Australia’s pervasive urban sprawl means most workers commute by car. But <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847815001370">driving has been found to be the most stressful way to commute</a>. </p>
<p>Driving to work is associated with a series of health problems and lower social capital (smaller social networks with less social participation), which all affect work performance and productivity. </p>
<h2>What did the study look at?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0966692318307269">Our research</a> investigated how and to what extent our daily commuting can influence workplace productivity. We surveyed 1,121 employees from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. These employees are all employed full-time, have a fixed place of employment, make regular commuting trips and work in different industries and occupations. </p>
<p>We found that workers with a long-distance commute have more absent days, as the graph below shows. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/277498/original/file-20190602-69063-llunb.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/277498/original/file-20190602-69063-llunb.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=412&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277498/original/file-20190602-69063-llunb.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=412&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277498/original/file-20190602-69063-llunb.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=412&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277498/original/file-20190602-69063-llunb.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=518&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277498/original/file-20190602-69063-llunb.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=518&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/277498/original/file-20190602-69063-llunb.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=518&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">Predicted number of days absent from work with increasing commuting distance.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">Author provided</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two reasons can explain this result. First, workers with long commutes are more likely to become ill and be absent. Second, workers with long commutes receive less net income (after deducting travel costs) and less leisure time. Therefore, they are more likely to be absent to avoid the commuting cost and time. </p>
<p>The average commuting distance for Australian capital cities is <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/2071.0.55.001%7E2016%7EMain%20Features%7ECommuting%20Distance%20for%20Australia%7E1">about 15km</a>. Workers with a commuting distance of 1km have 36% fewer absent days than those commuting 15km. Workers who commute 50km have 22% more absent days.</p>
<p>This study also finds that middle-aged (35-54) commuters who walk or cycle – known as active travel – have better self‐reported work performance than public transport and car commuters. This result may reflect the health and cognitive benefits of active travel modes. </p>
<p>Finally, this study finds the short-distance and active travel commuters reported they were relaxed, calm, enthusiastic, and satisfied with their commuting trips, and were more productive.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/commuters-help-regions-tap-into-city-driven-growth-63097">Commuters help regions tap into city-driven growth</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>How does commuting affect productivity?</h2>
<p>Urban economic theory provides one explanation of the link between commuting and productivity. It argues that workers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166046208000549">make trade-offs between leisure time at home and effort in work</a>. Therefore, workers with long commutes put in less effort or shirk work as their leisure time is reduced. </p>
<p>Commuting can also affect work productivity through poorer physical and mental health. Low physical activity can lead to obesity as well as related chronic diseases, significantly <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/0c658aed-ba22-4df1-8762-6975e23449b6/cdpw-20090219.pdf.aspx">reducing workforce participation and increasing absenteeism</a>. The mental stress associated with commuting can further affect work performance.</p>
<p>A growing number of studies have found active commuting by walking and cycling is perceived to be more “relaxing and exciting”. By contrast, commuting by car and public transport is more “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0013916506294032">stressful and boring</a>”. These positive or negative emotions during the commute <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847817304138">influence moods and emotions during the work day</a>, affecting work performance. </p>
<p>Finally, commuting choice could influence work productivity through cognitive ability. <a href="https://journals.humankinetics.com/doi/10.1123/jsep.19.3.249">Physical activity improves brain function and cognition</a>, which are <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18094706">closely related to performance</a>. So it’s possible that active travel commuters might have better cognitive ability at work, at least in the several hours after the intense physical activity of cycling or walking to work. </p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/279484/original/file-20190614-158949-1wuj540.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/279484/original/file-20190614-158949-1wuj540.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=214&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/279484/original/file-20190614-158949-1wuj540.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=214&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/279484/original/file-20190614-158949-1wuj540.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=214&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/279484/original/file-20190614-158949-1wuj540.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=269&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/279484/original/file-20190614-158949-1wuj540.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=269&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/279484/original/file-20190614-158949-1wuj540.png?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=269&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
<figcaption>
<span class="caption">The pathways through which walking and cycling to work might influence productivity.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">authors</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/stop-working-on-your-commute-it-doesnt-benefit-anyone-102459">Stop working on your commute – it doesn't benefit anyone</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<h2>What are the policy implications?</h2>
<p>Employers should consider types of commuting as part of their overall strategies for improving job performance. They should aim to promote active commuting and, if possible, to shorten commuting time. For example, providing safe bike parking and showers at work could significantly increase cycling to work.</p>
<p>As for governments, in most states of Australia, only a tiny portion (<a href="https://theconversation.com/cycling-and-walking-are-short-changed-when-it-comes-to-transport-funding-in-australia-92574">less than 2%</a>) of transport funding is devoted to bicycling infrastructure. </p>
<p>By contrast, in the Netherlands most municipalities have <a href="http://velobg.org/docs/Cycling_in_the_Netherlands.pdf">specific budget allocations</a> to implement cycling policies. Australia should allocate more transport infrastructure funding to active travel, given the economic benefits of walking and cycling to work.</p>
<hr>
<p>
<em>
<strong>
Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/cycling-and-walking-are-short-changed-when-it-comes-to-transport-funding-in-australia-92574">Cycling and walking are short-changed when it comes to transport funding in Australia</a>
</strong>
</em>
</p>
<hr>
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/117819/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Workers with long commutes are more likely to become sick. They also receive less net income (after deducting travel costs) and less leisure time.Liang Ma, Vice-Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow, RMIT UniversityRuning Ye, Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Design, The University of MelbourneLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/873312018-02-04T18:06:58Z2018-02-04T18:06:58ZAustralian cities are far from being meccas for walking and cycling<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/204189/original/file-20180131-38226-7kmhy4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Only in a few active travel strongholds, typically in the inner city, do Australian cycling and walking rates get close to those in Europe.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewrobinson10/5248034371/in/photolist-74zgNZ-87UgNM-74zojM-vgFRW-5rxN3C-74Df7w-7QVEiT-5rxGiW-74CVYj-5rtyHg-5LbHRp-5rtPYK-8ioPoP-Zp1r5s-2aR4uH-3RDLx-7uyEGz-5rtA2R-5ry8WL-5rtpDF-TQSjBi-5ry349-8ZKxMe-5rxHo1-YvehY2-YgQBca-VrbAuJ-r1SmLj-8ZNCJo-8ZM9A9-8REFqN-8pFdX5-74DgiY-74Daqu-74zfst-74D9Q5-74zcwH-74z9L2-74z8YK-74z7ui-74CZMG-74z3fe-74z2LV-62yS3x-5rtVwr-5ryaAW-5rtJHR-5rxZch-5rxS6G-K4Rq5">Andrew Robinson/Flickr</a>, <a class="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/">CC BY-NC</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Australian city planners are seeking ways to make cities better for walking and cycling.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.walkscore.com/">Walkability</a> and <a href="http://www.pct.bike/">cyclability</a> are attractive and “green” urban amenities. They reduce pollution and improve health. They are also economic assets. </p>
<p>In developing countries, active transport is key to improving accessibility for the urban poor. In developed countries, the walkable and cyclable city can be a magnet for attracting and retaining the “<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2010/12/americas-most-walkable-cities/67988/">creative class</a>”. </p>
<p>In Australia, plans and projects are being developed to extend pedestrian malls and cycling paths, restrict car traffic, <a href="https://theconversation.com/freeing-up-the-huge-areas-set-aside-for-parking-can-transform-our-cities-85331">remove street parking</a> and install more lighting. </p>
<h2>Have these efforts paid off?</h2>
<p>Yes and no. Recently released <a href="http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mediareleasesbyReleaseDate/7DD5DC715B608612CA2581BF001F8404?OpenDocument">2016 Census data</a> reveal some disappointing commuting patterns in Australian cities. </p>
<p>Across metropolitan areas, typically plagued by sprawl and segregated land uses, cars still dominate. Car-based commuting rates have decreased by only 1-2%. </p>
<p>Public transport use remains relatively low. Even in Sydney, it captures only about one-quarter of commute trips. </p>
<p>Since 2011, Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin have made modest gains (2-4%) in public transport use. Brisbane has had an incremental decline. Public transport use is stagnant in Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and Canberra.</p>
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<p>Meanwhile, rates of walking and cycling remain constant and low – even in smaller centres such as Hobart, Darwin and Canberra. Even in the most “cycling-oriented” places (Darwin and Canberra), only about 3% of commuters cycle. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203651/original/file-20180128-100929-e5r516.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203651/original/file-20180128-100929-e5r516.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203651/original/file-20180128-100929-e5r516.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=204&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203651/original/file-20180128-100929-e5r516.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=204&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203651/original/file-20180128-100929-e5r516.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=204&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203651/original/file-20180128-100929-e5r516.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=256&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203651/original/file-20180128-100929-e5r516.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=256&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203651/original/file-20180128-100929-e5r516.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=256&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<p>City-level data tell a different story. Here, walking is more popular than at the wider metro level. This reflects the mono-centric nature of Australian cities, where most jobs are located in the CBD. </p>
<p>In larger cities, between a quarter and a third of the population walks to work. Similar proportions of commuters use public transport. Brisbane is an exception, with less walking, lower public transport use and much more driving than Sydney, Melbourne or Perth. Hobart and Darwin have low walking rates and are very car-dependent, which is surprising considering their small size. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203733/original/file-20180129-100899-4wj80w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203733/original/file-20180129-100899-4wj80w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203733/original/file-20180129-100899-4wj80w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=226&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203733/original/file-20180129-100899-4wj80w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=226&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203733/original/file-20180129-100899-4wj80w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=226&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203733/original/file-20180129-100899-4wj80w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=284&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203733/original/file-20180129-100899-4wj80w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=284&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203733/original/file-20180129-100899-4wj80w.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=284&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<p>Average cycling rates are low everywhere – only 2-5%. This is true in both large and small cities, tropical (Queensland and Northern Territory) and oceanic (southeastern Australia) climates, flat and hilly topographies.</p>
<p>However, averages are deceptive. In Melbourne’s “top cycling suburbs” (Fitzroy North and Carlton North/Princes Hill) cycling rates are as high as 15%. Similarly, in Brisbane’s “top cycling suburbs” (West End and Highgate Hill), about 8% of people cycle to work. Sydney’s cycling rates are only 5% even in its “top cycling suburbs” (Erskineville/Alexandria and Newtown/Camperdown/Darlington). </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203734/original/file-20180129-100905-1433pkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203734/original/file-20180129-100905-1433pkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203734/original/file-20180129-100905-1433pkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=216&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203734/original/file-20180129-100905-1433pkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=216&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203734/original/file-20180129-100905-1433pkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=216&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203734/original/file-20180129-100905-1433pkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=271&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203734/original/file-20180129-100905-1433pkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=271&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203734/original/file-20180129-100905-1433pkw.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=271&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<p>To <a href="http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/167476.aspx">compare</a>, cities in Northern and Western Europe have average active transport rates at least twice as high as those in Australia. Over half of Copenhagen’s commute trips are via cycling or walking. </p>
<p>However, while Australian cities as a whole fall much behind international best practice, some suburbs are comparable. In Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, the “top active-travel suburbs” – the CBDs and their immediate surroundings – have walking and cycling rates in the 40-50% range. </p>
<p>Overall, improvements in walking and cycling rates have been minimal since the 2011 Census. For most cities, this undermines <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/what-is-a-new-world-city-anyway-20150509-ggxti9.html">urban prestige</a> and competitiveness – not to mention the health and environmental implications. Conversely, Melbourne’s higher active travel rates might provide part of the explanation for it topping “<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-16/melbourne-named-worlds-most-liveable-city-for-seventh-year/8812196">most liveable city” lists</a>. </p>
<h2>Why isn’t Australia an active travel mecca?</h2>
<p>In theory, Australian cities are ideal for walking and cycling. They have mild climates, stable and wealthy governments, as well as sporty, outdoorsy and increasingly health-conscious residents. Despite this, the data show that overall active travel (especially cycling) is still marginal. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203617/original/file-20180127-100929-8c2duh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203617/original/file-20180127-100929-8c2duh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/203617/original/file-20180127-100929-8c2duh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=616&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203617/original/file-20180127-100929-8c2duh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=616&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203617/original/file-20180127-100929-8c2duh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=616&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203617/original/file-20180127-100929-8c2duh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=775&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203617/original/file-20180127-100929-8c2duh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=775&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/203617/original/file-20180127-100929-8c2duh.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=775&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Barriers to active travel, grouped into ‘ideas’, ‘interests’ and ‘institutions’ – a popular theoretical framework in public policy studies.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1068/a130169p">Pojani & Stead, 2014</a>, <span class="license">Author provided</span></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/data/library/details.cfm?id=4414">Academic research has unequivocally demonstrated</a> that substantive changes can occur only through a combination of high-quality infrastructure, pricing policies and education programs. In Australia, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/14/britain-cycle-lanes-cities">as elsewhere</a>, myriad barriers conspire against such an integrated approach. </p>
<h2>What needs to be done?</h2>
<p>Three main areas require intervention. </p>
<p><strong>1. Ideas</strong>: Active travel must become normalised as an integral part of transport planning. Footpaths, crosswalks and bicycle lanes must be standard elements of street templates and guidelines, just like telephone lines and fire hydrants.</p>
<p><strong>2. Interest</strong>: Councils must secure strong political support for walking and cycling, as well as unity and collaboration within the active travel community. Solid evidence is needed on the <a href="https://www.itdp.org/publication/the-benefits-of-shifting-to-cycling/">benefits</a> of high-quality walking and <a href="https://theconversation.com/heres-what-bike-sharing-programs-need-to-succeed-85969">cycling environments</a> and on the impacts on businesses and households of removing traffic and parking lanes to accommodate footpaths, bike paths and <a href="http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13574809.2017.1369875?journalCode=cjud20">pedestrian malls</a>. </p>
<p>Persistence and consistency in messages to the public, and a non-antagonistic stance, are also important. To <a href="https://www.psychology.org.au/public-interest/environment/motivation">embrace active travel</a>, people must feel positive about creating a more just, fun, safe and healthy world through their informed travel choices. </p>
<p><strong>3. Institutions</strong>: More government funding for active transport – independent of political cycles – must be provided, while at the same time allowing more local planning autonomy. The most recent <a href="https://europa.eu/capacity4dev/unep/document/global-outlook-walking-and-cycling-policies-realities-around-world">United Nations’ recommendation</a> is that 20% of transport funding go to non-motorised modes. </p>
<p>Australia falls short of this target, but finding out exactly how far off is a challenge. The Australian government makes no mention of active travel in its <a href="http://budget.gov.au/2017-18/content/glossies/jobs-growth/html/jobs-growth-01.htm">2017-2018 infrastructure budget</a> allocation. Each local and state government reports on it differently. </p>
<p>In 2016, the combined <a href="https://www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/items/AP-C93-17">state and territory investments in cycling infrastructure</a> totalled only A$121.8 million. That’s a small fraction of <a href="https://www.onlinepublications.austroads.com.au/items/AP-R526-16">road funding</a> (A$20.2 billion in 2011-12). Data on walking infrastructure spending are unavailable.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/87331/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Dorina Pojani works for the University of Queensland. She receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC). </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jonathan Corcoran works for The University of Queensland. He receives funding from The Australian Research Council. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Neil Sipe receives funding from the Australian Research Council and the Myer Foundation.</span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Elizabeth Butterworth and Jim Cooper do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>A comparison of Australian cities reveals cyclists and walkers are still very much a minority of commuters, despite the economic, health and environmental costs. Action on three fronts is needed.Dorina Pojani, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, The University of QueenslandElizabeth Butterworth, The University of QueenslandJim Cooper, Senior Research Fellow, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of QueenslandJonathan Corcoran, Professor, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of QueenslandNeil G Sipe, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, The University of QueenslandLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/762922017-04-19T23:02:51Z2017-04-19T23:02:51ZCycling to work: major new study suggests health benefits are staggering<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165477/original/image-20170417-12909-1ezk4ah.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Pump action. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/man-on-bike-traffic-sunflare-219272440?src=Xf5c7ezJYicz7zIMF8P-Gw-1-11">Csaba Peterdi</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Research has consistently shown that people who are less physically active are both more likely to develop health problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and to die younger. Yet there is <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2017/april/new-report-assesses-impact-of-physical-inactivity-on-uk-heart-health-and-economy">increasing evidence</a> that physical activity levels are on the decline. </p>
<p>The problem is that when there are many demands on our time, many people find prioritising exercise difficult. One answer is to multi-task by cycling or walking to work. We’ve just completed the largest ever study into how this affects your health. </p>
<p><a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1456">Published</a> in the British Medical Journal today, the results for cycling in particular have important implications. They suggest that councils and governments need to make it a top priority to encourage as many commuters to get on their bikes as possible. </p>
<h2>The findings</h2>
<p>Cycling or walking to work, sometimes referred to as active commuting, is not very common in the UK. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23990990?access_num=23990990&link_type=MED&dopt=Abstract">Only</a> 3% of commuters cycle to work and 11% walk, one of the lowest rates in Europe. At the <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_406_en.pdf">other end</a> of the scale, 43% of the Dutch and 30% of Danes cycle daily. </p>
<p>To get a better understanding of what the UK could be missing, we looked at 263,450 people with an average age of 53 who were either in paid employment or self-employed, and didn’t always work at home. Participants were asked whether they usually travelled to work by car, public transport, walking, cycling or a combination. </p>
<p>We then grouped our commuters into five categories: non-active (car/public transport); walking only; cycling (including some who also walked); mixed-mode walking (walking plus non-active); and mixed-mode cycling (cycling plus non-active, including some who also walked). </p>
<p>We followed people for around five years, counting the incidences of heart disease, cancers and death. Importantly, we adjusted for other health influences including sex, age, deprivation, ethnicity, smoking, body mass index, other types of physical activity, time spent sitting down and diet. Any potential differences in risk associated with road accidents is also accounted for in our analysis, while we excluded participants who had heart disease or cancer already. </p>
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<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165479/original/image-20170417-12909-1exz14h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165479/original/image-20170417-12909-1exz14h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165479/original/image-20170417-12909-1exz14h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165479/original/image-20170417-12909-1exz14h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165479/original/image-20170417-12909-1exz14h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=800&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165479/original/image-20170417-12909-1exz14h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165479/original/image-20170417-12909-1exz14h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165479/original/image-20170417-12909-1exz14h.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=1005&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Death by bus?</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/serious-woman-on-bus-computer-88940911?src=-VQQmRbFAWwnS75pvzZgrQ-1-48">Genemecom</a></span>
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<p>We found that cycling to work was associated with a 41% lower risk of dying overall compared to commuting by car or public transport. Cycle commuters had a 52% lower risk of dying from heart disease and a 40% lower risk of dying from cancer. They also had 46% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 45% lower risk of developing cancer at all. </p>
<p>Walking to work was not associated with a lower risk of dying from all causes. Walkers did, however, have a 27% lower risk of heart disease and a 36% lower risk of dying from it. </p>
<p>The mixed-mode cyclists enjoyed a 24% lower risk of death from all causes, a 32% lower risk of developing cancer and a 36% lower risk of dying from cancer. They did not have a significantly lower risk of heart disease, however, while mixed-mode walkers did not have a significantly lower risk of any of the health outcomes we analysed. </p>
<p>For both cyclists and walkers, there was a trend for a greater lowering of risk in those who commuted longer distances. In addition, those who cycled part of the way to work still saw benefits – this is important as many people live too far from work to cycle the entire distance. </p>
<p>As for walkers, the fact that their health benefits were more modest may be related to distance, since they commute fewer miles on average in the UK – six per week compared to 30 for cyclists. They may therefore need to walk longer distances to elicit meaningful benefits. Equally, however, it may be that the lower benefits from walking are related to the fact that it’s a less intense activity. </p>
<h2>What now?</h2>
<p>Our work builds on the <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743507000989">evidence</a> from <a href="https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/165/12/1343/125702/Influence-of-Exercise-Walking-Cycling-and-Overall">previous studies</a> in a number of important ways. Our quarter of a million participants was larger than all previous studies combined, which enabled us to show the associations between cycling/walking to work and health outcomes more clearly than before. </p>
<p>In particular, the findings resolve previous uncertainties about the association with cancer, and also with heart attacks and related fatalities. We also had enough participants to separately evaluate cycling, walking and mixed-mode commuting for the first time, which helped us confirm that cycling to work is more beneficial than walking. </p>
<p>In addition, much of the previous research was undertaken in places like China and the Nordic countries where cycling to work is common and the supporting infrastructure is good. We now know that the same benefits apply in a country where active commuting is not part of the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23990990?access_num=23990990&link_type=MED&dopt=Abstract">established culture</a>. </p>
<p>It is important to stress that while we did our best to eliminate other potential factors which might influence the findings, it is never possible to do this completely. This means we cannot conclusively say active commuting is the cause of the health outcomes that we measured. Nevertheless, the findings suggest policymakers can make a big difference to public health by encouraging cycling to work in particular. And we should not forget other benefits such as reducing congestion and motor emissions. </p>
<p>Some countries are well ahead of the UK in encouraging cyclists. In Copenhagen and Amsterdam, for instance, people cycle because it is the easiest way to get around town. </p>
<figure class="align-center zoomable">
<a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165492/original/image-20170417-10077-1k2dt50.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165492/original/image-20170417-10077-1k2dt50.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/165492/original/image-20170417-10077-1k2dt50.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165492/original/image-20170417-10077-1k2dt50.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165492/original/image-20170417-10077-1k2dt50.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=400&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165492/original/image-20170417-10077-1k2dt50.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165492/original/image-20170417-10077-1k2dt50.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/165492/original/image-20170417-10077-1k2dt50.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=503&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px"></a>
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<span class="caption">Dutch courage.</span>
<span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/amsterdam-netherlands-june-16-2016-people-524928991?src=nYdrFLZy8dDewt0fZx9WAw-1-4">S-F</a></span>
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<p>It was not always this way – both cities pursued clear strategies to improve cycle infrastructure first. Ways to achieve this include increasing provision for cycle lanes, city bike hire schemes, subsidised bike purchase schemes, secure cycle parking and more facilities for bicycles on public transport. </p>
<p>For the UK and other countries that have lagged behind, the new findings suggest there is a clear opportunity. If decision makers are bold enough to rise to the challenge, the long-term benefits are potentially transformative.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/76292/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Jason Gill receives or has previously received funding from the Medical Research Council; European Commission; Diabetes UK; British Heart Foundation; Prostate Cancer UK; Chest, Heart & Stroke, Scotland; Wellcome Trust; Royal Society; TENOVUS; Wellbeing of Women; The Future Forum. </span></em></p><p class="fine-print"><em><span>Carlos Celis-Morales does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p>Pedal to the office and your risk of an early death drop by over 40%.Jason Gill, Reader, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of GlasgowCarlos Celis-Morales, Research Associate, Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of GlasgowLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.