Velotaf is the best antidepressant, a study proves it

People who cycle to work are less likely to be prescribed medication to treat anxiety or depression than people who use other drugs, according to a new study by the Chair of Geosciences at the University of Edinburgh.

Daily cycling reduces depression and anxiety

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh combined data from around 380,000 people aged 16 to 74 living and working in Edinburgh or Glasgow with data from the Kingdom’s Public Health Service Prescription Records-United. Study participants all lived within one kilometer of a bike path and were undiagnosed with mental health problems at the start of the study. The researchers found 15% reduction in prescriptions for depression or anxiety in cyclists

In the five years since 2011, when the study began, compared to non-cyclists. Daily commuting by bicycle reduced mental health care prescriptions more among women than among men.

Dr. who worked on this study. Laurie Berry explains her modus operandi: “Our study was based on the fact that People are more likely to cycle to work if they live near cycle paths. Thanks to this specificity, it was possible to simulate a randomized controlled trial and compare the mental health of people who ride bicycles with those who use other modes of transportation. »

A call to promote soft mobility

This report from the School of Geosciences also reveals that only 2% of people in Glasgow cycle to work, compared to less than 5% in Edinburgh. Males are more represented than females. This shows the results The importance of promoting soft mobility and investing in cycling infrastructure To encourage more people to cycle to work. A real public health issue to put at the center of political debates.

Sources: Does bicycle commuting reduce the risk of mental illness? Instrumental variable analysis using nearest cycle path distance,

By Laurie Berry, Zhiqiang Feng, David Rice, Tom Clemens, Lee Williamson, Chris Dibben, International Journal of Epidemiology;

Cycling to work is linked to better mental healthUniversity of Edinburgh