Health Benefits of Cycling as a Form of Active Travel: A Pilot Empirical Study

Abstract

Highlights: Public health relevance This study examines how integrating cycling into daily routines can improve physical and mental health in an academic setting, addressing public health challenges such as physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles. Public health significance The pilot study demonstrated that even modest daily cycling led to significant health benefits, including reduced body fat, improved cardiovascular recovery, and enhanced aerobic capacity, particularly in university students and staff. Public health implications These findings suggest that implementing cycling programs, such as the UCicletas initiative, in academic settings could be a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to promote physical activity and improve public health outcomes. Integrating physical activity into daily routines through walking and cycling supports health while promoting sustainable mobility. This assumption aligns with SDGs 3, 5 and 11. This study assessed the feasibility and health impacts of cycling within a university setting. As part of the UCicletas program at Coimbra University, sixteen participants (8 males, 8 females) used conventional or pedal-assist bicycles for eight weeks. Descriptive analyses, t-tests, and Spearman correlations were applied to anthropometric and cardiorespiratory measurements collected before and after the intervention. Weekly cycling distance was obtained through self-reported odometer values. After eight weeks, notable health improvements were observed. Body fat decreased by 1.8% overall, with a significant reduction in females (p < 0.05). VO2max increased by 13.79% in males (p = 0.02) and 12.21% in females (p = 0.03). The Ruffier Index decreased by 18.87% in males (p < 0.05) and 14.73% in females (p = 0.03). Gender differences were evident in correlations: male BMI showed a strong negative association with respiratory recovery (ρ = −0.867, p = 0.005), whereas the female association was weak (ρ = 0.371). Correlations between cycling distance and health outcomes were weak and non-significant. Overall, the findings confirm that modest daily cycling improves health outcomes.