It is widely accepted that regular, moderate physical activity is very good for health. National policy and strategy places increasing emphasis on its importance, particularly given the inadequate levels of physical activity and increasing prevalence of obesity evident amongst Scottish children and adults. Current physical activity guidelines for children (aged five to 18 years) are that they should engage in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes, and up to several hours every day, and that ‘vigorous intensity activities’, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, should be incorporated at least three days a week. For adults (aged 19 to 64 years), the guideline is that over the course of a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate intensity activity in bouts of ten minutes or more, for example, 30 minutes on at least five days a week. Alternatively, comparable benefits can be achieved through 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity spread across the week, or combinations of moderate and vigorous intensity activity. Adults should also undertake physical activity to improve muscle strength on at least two days a week. Cycling is classified as a higher intensity physical activity that benefits individual health as well as contributing to other public health goals such as reduced car travel and associated carbon emissions. As far back as 1992, the British Medical Association believed that the public health benefits of cycling outweighed the risks. It is widely agreed that cycling can make a contribution to population health and sustainability as a component of active travel, and there have been a number of estimations regarding the type and extent of health benefits that can be attained through investments in policies and initiatives which promote more cycling. Many UK and European cities have invested in measures to encourage and promote walking and cycling and have experienced visible increases in levels of both walking and cycling. Increased levels of cycling can also stimulate economic growth and vibrancy in urban areas through enhanced connectivity and safer, more attractive public spaces which are not dominated by vehicular traffic. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting