Back
Study shows benefits of walking and cycling for children
Published:
25 January 2012
Active travel has a beneficial effect on the health and wellbeing of children, according to research.
In a study of children aged between 8 and 13 published in the journal Preventative Medicine, scientists found that children who did a lot of walking and cycling were able to play actively and socialise more.
A separate, six-year study in the journal of Physical Activity and Health found that kids who cycled to school had a lower risk profile for cardio-vascular disease than those who used other modes of transportation.
Parents should therefore make an effort to encourage children to enjoy active travel.
A great way to do so is by incorporating walking or cycling into a fun family day out.
Transport charity Sustrans has taken measures to make it easier and safer for children to walk and cycle.
Its Free Range Kids campaign calls for local and national governments in the UK to create communities where children can play safely, by limiting speed limits and investing in walking and cycling routes.
Related articles
-
30 January 2012
A two-day cycling festival, planned for summer 2013, is set to promote British cycling.
-
17 January 2012
Transport for London's decision to allow motorbikes and cyclists to use bus lanes should, in theory, improve safety on the capital's roads, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has suggested.