Cycling is a sport everyone. From the top athletes on pro-teams competing in grand tours, time trials, and putting in thousands of miles and hundreds of hours every year. Recreational riders that enjoy participating in local organized event, group, and charity rides. Mountain bikers looking for steep climbs and gravel trails. Elderly people who want a low impact and fun exercise to stay healthy find cycling to be the perfect choice. And commuters, who leave their cars at home and get from point A to B on their bicycle. While all forms of cycling have some influence on the economy, we will be looking more specifically at commuting and the potential economic benefits and negatives it entails.
Better Health and the Economy Riding a bike frequently is a low-impact, aerobic exercise almost …show more content…
The study implemented two groups, an increase in those who commute by bicycle from 7.5% to 17% and 27%. The assumptions for the study were for travel times of 15 to 30 minutes. Using an economic assessment model consistent with those used by the WHO, results showed a 5% discounted savings of about €4 million ($4,520,000) and €7.7 million ($8,700,000), respectively to each group, on direct healthcare costs each year. They report that these findings mean an average of €230 ($260) would be saved each year by the Tuscany Regional Health Service (SST). Results from these studies would likely be similar in any economy, showing that better health gained from cycling rather than driving can have a strong economic benefit. To simplify this, the benefits gained from higher levels of cycling can easily be summed with the statement that, “healthier people are more productive.” The key here, however, is that for commuter levels to increase, bicycle infrastructure must be adequate and encourage people to make this change.
Cycling
Better Health and the Economy Riding a bike frequently is a low-impact, aerobic exercise almost …show more content…
The study implemented two groups, an increase in those who commute by bicycle from 7.5% to 17% and 27%. The assumptions for the study were for travel times of 15 to 30 minutes. Using an economic assessment model consistent with those used by the WHO, results showed a 5% discounted savings of about €4 million ($4,520,000) and €7.7 million ($8,700,000), respectively to each group, on direct healthcare costs each year. They report that these findings mean an average of €230 ($260) would be saved each year by the Tuscany Regional Health Service (SST). Results from these studies would likely be similar in any economy, showing that better health gained from cycling rather than driving can have a strong economic benefit. To simplify this, the benefits gained from higher levels of cycling can easily be summed with the statement that, “healthier people are more productive.” The key here, however, is that for commuter levels to increase, bicycle infrastructure must be adequate and encourage people to make this change.
Cycling