Cycling

Cycling is good for everyone. It is a sustainable, healthy and environmentally friendly means of transport. It can contribute to integrated transport strategies by helping to reduce congestion, and help to improve the environment.

In order to promote cycling it is necessary to quantify the consequences for public health of increasing levels of physically active modes of transport, notably walking and cycling.

The reduction of several common and serious diseases (notably cardiovascular diseases and functional deterioration) can be achieved through increases in regular physical exercise and through physically active modes of transport, notably walking and cycling.

In order to promote cycling and walking it is necessary to create supportive environmental conditions, settlement patterns, land use planning conditions and public transport infrastructures and services that permit and stimulate a substantial increase in the number of short trips undertaken by these physically active modes of transport.

Alcohol is a major risk factor for fatal and serious bicycle injuries. A US study found that among those killed in the bicycle accidents, one third had positive blood alcohol concentrations, and among those seriously injured, 20% had been riding under the influence of alcohol. Riding a bike requires a higher level of psychomotor skills and physical coordination than driving a car, so alcohol has an even stronger effect on bicyclists than on drivers. In the study, researchers also found that only 5% of the injured who had been drinking wore helmets, and 30% of the injured bicyclists who had elevated blood alcohol levels also had a history of driving while intoxicated citations. Researchers speculate that some probably used bicycles as a form of transportation because their driver's licenses had been suspended.

To encourage employees of a Norwegian company to cycle to and from work, instead of using cars, the company sports club made a special arrangement with management, which enabled bicycles to be bought by employees at what amounted to wholesale prices, on condition they be used for cycling to and from work. 300 to 400 employees now cycle to work. CyberCycle (http://library.advanced.org/10333) was a prizewinning Internet site prepared by students for the promotion of cycling.