Promoting safe cycling
A briefing from the Board of Science
March 2008
Introduction
The British Medical Association (BMA) has undertaken substantial work in relation to transport and health in the past including accident prevention and reduction, environmental and health impacts of transport, studies on drink and drug driving and seat belt legislation. Following previous research by the Board of Science on cycling, the BMA established specific policy at its 2006 annual representative meeting that the Association promotes cycling as a safe, healthy and sustainable alternative to car use.
Doctors have an interest in cycling for two key reasons:
- The important role cycling has in the promotion of individuals’ and the nation’s health
- The need for safe cycling in order to prevent cycle related injury
The BMA believes that cycling has many advantages to the individual in terms of improved health and mobility, as well as to society; it is a sustainable form of transport which has a minimal impact upon the environment. It is the least polluting way of traveling after walking; cycles do not produce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Cycles also require fewer resources to manufacture and maintain compared to other modes of transport.
While a number of studies demonstrate the positive effect of cycling on lifespan, health and general well being, the majority of this research is indirect and based on the findings that moderate intensity physical activity of any kind produces health benefits. It is the fact that cycling is a form of exercise which confers these positive effects.