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12.4. Benefits of the bicycle as a means of urban transport
There are many reasons why the bicycle is such an underestimated means of
transport in our country and they will be discussed later. Let us now focus on
numerous mutual benefits (for cities and the cyclists) of a higher share of bicycle
transport in cities.
12.4.1. Benefits for the cyclists
In recent years, the popularity of cycling as a leisure activity has significantly
grown in Poland. This is certainly very encouraging, as cycling is not only fun,
but also an effective way of keeping in good health. Doctors generally recommend
cycling as a form of physical activity to all, regardless of age. Recreational
cycling is inadvisable only in the cases of serious cardiovascular disease, degenerative
disorders of the spine and large joints, and advanced pregnancy. The
benefits, however, are too numerous to mention. For people in good health,
they include among others, improved blood circulation, increased lung capacity,
burning of fatty tissues, shaping the muscles of legs and buttocks, strengthening
of knee and ankle joints, or greater resistance to stress (through rise in endorphin
levels). Cycling is also a great cure for serious conditions. It is recommended
for diabetics, people recovering after a major surgery (e.g. liver transplant)
or from skeletal and joint injuries. Cardiologists consider cycling to be
a first rate “medicine” against atherosclerosis.
Obviously, commuting by bicycle to work or school does differ from cycling
for reasons of health or pure recreation. However, in all cases the element of
“body movement” is there, which by itself brings noteworthy health benefits,
since as demonstrated by research, the actual amount of pollution inhaled by
cyclists is significantly lower than in the case of car drivers. (see Table 27). Savings
present another argument in favour of the bicycle – starting from the cost
of fuel and parking to health care expenses. However, the most important factor
Table 27. Maximum average concentrations of air pollutants inhaled during one hour by cyclists
and drivers on the same route and at the same time of the day (in g/m 3 )
Pollutant type Cyclists Car-drivers
Carbon Monoxide(CO) 2670 6730
Nitrogen Dioxide(NO2 ) 156 277
Benzene 23 138
Toluene 72 373
Xylene 46 193
Source: The exposure of cyclists, car drivers and pedestrians to traffic-related air pollutants, Van Wijnen/Verhoeff/Van
Bruggen, 1995 (Int. Arch. Occup. Environ. Health 67: 187-193).
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