David Rojas: "The benefits of cycling in the city far outweigh the risks"

David Rojas defended his Thesis "Transportation, Air Pollution And Physical ActivitieS; an integrated health risk assessment programme of climate change and urban policies (TAPAS) last May 24th at 10.00am, at PRRB Auditorium.

“Bicycling brings great health benefits. Among the physiological benefits include stimulation of the cardiovascular system, improving lung capacity, burning calories and reducing body weight, reducing cholesterol levels in blood, enhancing the immune system and increase the calcification and bone density, among others”, explained Rojas.

In terms of disease prevention, more strong scientific evidences show that having between 20 and 30 minutes of cycling at day can reduce the onset of diabetes, myocardial infarction, colon cancer, breast cancer, dementia, depression and generally can reduce up to 20% mortality risk and increase six months of the life expectancy.

"If, for example, moving by bicycle to work or school, on a 15 minute trip, in our day to day, can provide all these benefits. The benefits of cycling in the city outweighs the risks", said Rojas, CREAL researcher and responsible of TAPAS study on the use of the bicycle in the city.

In cycling as sport, we need a 5 minute warm up, both stretching and bending of the limbs and back. This is not so necessary for recreation and transportation.

Generally, the bicycle is used for recreation and transportation in cities. The duration of cycling for these two activities rarely exceeds 30 minutes at medium or low intensity, so it does not require specific warm. However, “it is vital to have certain considerations when we use the bicycle as transportation. Among them, it is recommended knowing the rules of the road for cyclists, respecting the pedestrian and wearing a helmet”, concluded Rojas.