Regular physical activity benefits long-term health, including mental health, and helps to prevent over 20 common health conditions.
Over 4 in 10 women (42%) and 1 in 3 men (34%) in England are not active enough for good health.
This review found that walking and cycling benefit health in a number of ways:
people who walk or cycle have improved metabolic health and a reduced risk of premature mortality
walking and cycling reduce the risk factors for a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, some cancers, and Type II diabetes
walking and cycling also have positive effects on mental health and general wellbeing. The mental health and neurological benefits include reduced risk of dementia, improved sleep quality, and a greater sense of wellbeing
in environmental terms, health benefits accrue for the general population from a reduction in pollution due to car use and a decrease in road congestion
the evidence is that the health benefits of walking and cycling outweigh any potential health risks and harms – for example from injury or pollution.
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