Subscribe Log in

Log in

Remember me. [?]
Forgotten password
Not got an account?

Subscribe or register here

Toggle navigation
Student BMJ
Search
  • News & views
    • At a glance >>
    • Life
    • Briefings
    • Research explained
    • Views
    • People
  • Clinical
    • Practical skills
    • Clinical reviews
    • Ethics & law
    • Picture quizzes
    • Junior doctor survival kit
  • Specialties
    • Cardiology
    • Emergency medicine
    • Gastroenterology
    • General practice
    • General Surgery
    • Geriatric medicine
    • Neurology
    • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
    • Paediatrics
    • Psychiatry
    • Radiology
    • Respiratory
  • Careers
    • Career planning
    • A career in...
    • Electives
    • Foundation programme
    • Careers advice
  • Applying to medical school
    • At a glance >>
    • Application timeline
    • Considering medicine
    • Medical School Selector
    • Work experience
    • Personal statement
    • Entrance exams
    • Interviews
    • Plan B
    • Graduate entry medicine
    • Mediprep course
  • Subscribe

The perils of pedalling

Is cycling healthy or harmful?

By: James Evans

Spurred on by wins in the Olympics and Tour de France, cycling’s popularity in the United Kingdom is ever increasing; in 2010, 1.3 million more of us took to our saddles.1 For doctors and patients alike, cycling’s image is a healthy one. Aerobic exercise is beneficial for cardiovascular health, and regularly cycling to work is associated with less time off sick,2 suggesting a positive overall impact on health.

Yet cycling is not without risks. In 2011, 107 cyclists lost their lives on Britain’s roads.3 A further 19 108 were injured. Of those who died, 75% had a major head injury. Overall, about 40% of all cycling injuries are to the head.4 Traumatic brain injury has a notoriously poor prognosis, and in high income countries it is the biggest cause of death and disability among those aged under 45.5

According to 2011 data from the UK,3 around 82% of fatalities are the

To read the rest of this article log in or subscribe to Student BMJ.

If you're not ready to subscribe yet you can access News & views for free or register with us to receive free updates on our latest content.

Log in Subscribe
  • Most viewed
  • What's new

Stay in touch

  • Register for email alerts

Contact us

  • Contact us
  • Advertisers and sponsors
  • Media

About Student BMJ

  • About us
  • Join the BMA
  • Subscribe
  • Write for Student BMJ
  • Review articles for Student BMJ
  • The BMJ
  • The Student BMJ scholarship
  • Request permissions
  • Sitemap

Terms and Conditions

  • Website T&Cs
  • Medical School Selector T&Cs
  • Privacy policy

© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2018. All rights reserved.