Executive summary

Background

Transport patterns in the United Kingdom have changed enormously in the last fifty years. The growth in the use of the car has brought great freedom and opportunity to many people, but it has not been without cost. Around 3,400 people die on the roads every year, and over 300,000 are injured. Traffic causes environmental damage, and disrupts communities. The poorest members of society are the most likely to experience ill health due to traffic, and the least likely to own a car.

Cycling is safe, environmentally benign, and an ideal way for many people to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. Oxford has the third highest levels of cycling in Britain, and there is good provision for cyclists across the county.

This report considers the relationship between exercise and health, and investigates the health benefits that would accrue from increasing cycling and reducing motorised transport in Oxfordshire.

Methods

A review of the literature on transport and health was performed, and relevant papers obtained. Interviews were conducted with local stakeholders and experts in the field. Local and national data on transport activity, health, social, and environmental effects of transport were analysed, and current policy documents reviewed.

Results

Sedentary lifestyle is a major public health problem both locally and nationally; almost half the population of Oxfordshire exercises less than once a month. Coronary heart disease, although lower than the national average, is a significant cause of mortality.
Regular physical activity leads to decreased mortality, especially from coronary heart disease, and reduces the incidence of stroke, cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, psychological and psychiatric morbidity, bowel and prostate cancer.

Interviews with local stakeholders were highly informative. Almost all respondents own and use a bicycle, with some using it as their main mode of transport. Cycling was felt to be healthy, environmentally friendly, and enjoyable. The greatest disincentive to cycling is a perception of traffic danger, especially from buses and at certain locations.

Most interviewees were supportive of the current cycling facilities provided in Oxfordshire, but were keen to see better provision for cyclists. Segregated cycle paths and lower traffic speeds were felt to be important for making cycling safer and more appealing. Respondents felt that provision of secure cycle parking, and improved workplace facilities, would encourage more people to cycle. There was broad agreement that joint working between local agencies could be more effective, and respondents were keen to improve the situation.

Conclusions

If an extra 1% of the population in Oxfordshire cycled regularly this would save many more life years than would be lost through cycling deaths on the roads; as the roads then became safer higher levels of cycling would produce proportionately greater benefits.

Oxfordshire Health Authority should strongly support measures to increase cycling and walking for transport.

Main recommendations

• All agencies should engage in genuine partnership working with other agencies, and encourage greater public involvement in local decisions. The needs of current non-cyclists should be given the highest priority.
• The health sector should lead by example: Oxfordshire Health Authority should work with all NHS agencies to encourage walking and cycling by NHS staff and visitors. Measures include: improving workplace facilities with secure cycle parking, lockers and showers; providing financial incentives such as subsidised bicycles and generous mileage allowances; and encouraging visitors to arrive by non-car means. It should also work closely with other agencies to support and encourage cycling.
• Transport planning authorities in Oxfordshire should favour walking and cycling over motor transport wherever possible, and make health impact assessment an integral part of the transport planning process

Dr Harry Rutter
Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine
Oxfordshire Health Authority
Richards Building
Old Road
Headington
Oxford OX3 7LG

T: 01865 22 66 30
F: 07092 25 00 40
E: info@modalshift.org

October 2000

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