Alcohol and cigarette consumption falls among commuters who start travelling to work by bicycle, according to research that has identified £2.5 billion of NHS savings that would be made if the roads were made safer for cycling.
In the survey by Cyclescheme, which provides tax-free bikes through cycle-to-work projects, more than 9,500 commuters were asked about the health benefits of cycling to work. Half reported lower stress levels since they started riding, while 29 per cent said they were drinking less alcohol. About 20 per cent were smoking less.
The research noted: “Cyclescheme predicts that even if just 10 per cent of journeys were made by bike instead of car by 2025, the NHS would save £2.5 billion and the nation would gain a