Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
30 January 2019 09:05
Cycling in London has increased dramatically
Tens of thousands of people would avoid life-threatening conditions if the increase in cycling in London was matched by other major cities, according to new research.
Walking and cycling charity Sustrans warned that these "substantial health benefits" are only possible with long-term political commitment and investment in cycling.
Huge rise in capital
London has seen daily cycle journeys more than doubled since 2000 but levels have remained fairly static elsewhere, the report says.
An estimated 34,000 incidences of serious conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, stroke and breast cancer would be prevented in eight UK cities if the number of cycling trips doubled every eight years between 2017 and 2040, researchers found.
Sustrans calculated that this would equate to 242 million hours of additional physical activity, preventing 628 early deaths and generate £21 billion of savings to the economy.
The cities included in the report were Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Greater Manchester and Newcastle.
Long way to go
Xavier Brice, chief executive of Sustrans, said: "Our report provides 34,000 reasons why governments across the UK should prioritise investment in cycling.
"Every part of the country is facing a physical inactivity and obesity crisis, which is why decision-makers need to get on the front foot and tackle these problems head on."
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: "Cycling in Greater Manchester, like in many UK cities and regions, is increasing, although not at a pace we'd like to see.
"We have a long way to go before we can call cycling a normal way to travel, which is accessible to all our residents."
If you're thinking of getting on your bike while away, make sure you check out our travel insurance packages which have sports and activities automatically included.
19 September 2019
Who invented rugby? Ahead of the greatest rugby competition in the world, we take a look at how the game spread around the globe...
[more...]
09 September 2019
What's the best place for a city break this September? Here are some of our favourite weekend destinations for a European getaway.
What's the best island to visit in Europe? Take a look at some of our top tips off the beaten track and find your very own island paradise...
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...
Not ready to wave goodbye to summer? Discover our top European destinations for last-minute summer sun...
Already stressing about that 8-hour flight? Make your journey more comfortable with our top tips for flying long-haul.
Heading on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip to Tokyo with these must-see places in the Japanese capital.
Are you going on holiday to Japan? Get the most out of your trip by discovering these alternative, off-the-beaten-track destinations that will show you a different side to the Land of the Rising Sun.
21 August 2019
Travelling to Japan to watch the rugby? Here's everything you need to know about visiting the land of the rising sun, from payment methods to convenience store drinking!
Ready to experience the drama of rugby's greatest competition? Here's our guide to getting close to the action with a trip to magical Japan.
08 August 2019
Looking to travel back in time? Walk in the footsteps of Zeus and Apollo as you explore some of Greece's most iconic historical sites.
Want to explore off the beaten track? Discover your new Grecian paradise in one of these secluded island locations...