A recently published article in Environmental International has recommended that those who ride a bicycle to commute are healthier and experience lower levels of stress than walkers, drivers, and public transportation users.

The article published with the title “The Effects of Transport Mode” is a section of a four-year study that concentrates on the relation between modes of transportation and a sequence of health and social interaction indicators. The series of indicators includes self-perceived health and stress, loneliness, energy levels, and regular interaction with friends and family. It is one of the most exclusive studies that is aimed to promote most active and beneficial transport. It is compiled in conjunction with transportation organisations, research institutions, and university professors all over Europe from 2014 to 2017, and 8,800 adult members were polled in 7 European cities including Antwerp, Belgium; London; Orebro, Sweden; Barcelona, Spain; Vienna; Zurich, and Rome.

Take a look at some of the primary takeaways of this study:

  1. Interaction and Community

The study indicates that biking may transform the way we experience our everyday trips. Essentially, biking compels us to slow down and communicate with the society and nature in a different way—something that can be unwinding, energising and generally more satisfying. In other words, bike riders have to interact with the surroundings, but can enjoy a little more of the daily commute than dealing with the bustling traffic. The bicyclists reported a lower stress level and improved mental health, resulting in positivity.

But biking advantages don’t appear to stop at self-satisfaction. The bikers also reported that they are less likely to experience loneliness. Dr. Anne Lusk, a research scientist specialising in bicycle transportation and infrastructure from Harvard University credits this to bicycling’s several “social bridges” that allow a positive engagement with a stranger, for instance a bike lane, a bike rack, or sometimes a bike itself can start a positive conversation.

  1. Lower Stress and Higher Energy

One of the vital takeaways of the study was that generally, the bicyclists were healthier, more energised and positive than their transportation peers. The survey recommends that this may be due to various factors but highlights that biking can help induce a feeling of independence and may be more joyful and calming than switching metro lines or driving a car.

Conversely, participants who said they drove a vehicle reported lower energy levels and higher stress levels that was ascribed to the car drivers who deal with traffic, noise and air pollution.

  1. A European Gain

While Dr. Anne Lusk was ready to agree that the results of the study on the front are highly positive for biking and active transportation, she noticed that the outcomes were likely influenced by the present bicycle infrastructure in various European cities. For instance, cities like Vienna, Barcelona, and Antwerp have well-maintained bike lanes, where the bicyclists can ride side-by-side and are also protected from traffic. Also, she said that some U.S. cities need persistent state of vigilance for biking.

She said, “Bicycling has become this sort of sole activity as you have to ride in traffic and it is extremely stressful,”. The U.S. needs bike lanes just like other cities where families or seniors can bike together.

With the concerns of Dr. Anne Lusk and other biking infrastructure authorities in mind, the study reveals that its outcomes are intended to focus on a bicycle-centric infrastructure in urban and suburban regions.

So, stay mentally and physically healthy, engage the nature and individuals, and enjoy your commute by biking!