The pandemic of physical inactivity is associated with a range of chronic diseases and early deaths. Despite the well documented disease burden, the economic burden of physical inactivity remains unquantified at the global level. A better understanding of the economic burden could help to inform resource prioritisation and motivate efforts to increase levels of physical activity worldwide. Full article in the Lancet (registration required, but … Continue reading The economic burden of physical inactivity
Category: UK Posts
A law has been passed in Wales that obliges politicians to listen to anyone who asks for safe walking and cycling routes to be built in their area. Read article
There is strong backing in Britain for more cycling infrastructure, with support firm across all ages, political backgrounds, social classes and commuter types, according to new data from British Cycling. The findings come from a major YouGov poll carried out for British Cycling. The main results, released last month, showed 71% of Britons back building cycle lanes on main roads, against just 18% who oppose … Continue reading Bike lanes study shows support for new routes across ages and political views
One fifth of adults worldwide will be obese by 2025, predicts study UK is on track to have the highest obesity levels in Europe, while a fifth of world’s obese adults live in six high-income English-speaking countries Read article
So 70% of parents think cycling in London is too dangerous. With this week’s acquittal of Aslan Khayardi, you can see why. Apparently it is acceptable for a driver to break the 30 mph speed limit by over 20mph on a road “shared” with vulnerable road users, while overtaking a cyclist at less than half the recommended safe passing distance. Read more
As the London mayor nears the end of his time in office he looks back on what he’s achieved for cycling in the capital – and the hostility he’s faced. Read article
Highlights Top two: Cancer / Circulatory diseases (inc. heart) All accidents: 12,000 per year Transport from 2,968 in 2007 to 2,284 in 2009, 25% down Cycling mortality: 2007 – 2011: 177, 154, 140, 123, 132 Male / Female ratio: average 8:1 More information
Population levels of physical activity are far below recommendations limiting its public health benefits. Utility cycling (i.e. cycling for transport purposes) may be a means of increasing this activity. Empirical evidence quantifying the contribution of utility cycling to the population levels of physical activity is sparse. Read article Published by the Health Economics Research Group (HERG)