Dutch Cycling: Quantifying the Health and Related Economic Benefits

Am J Public Health. 2015 Aug;105(8):e13-5. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302724. Epub 2015 Jun 11.

Abstract

The Netherlands is well known for their high bicycle use. We used the Health Economic Assessment Tool and life table calculations to quantify the population-level health benefits from Dutch cycling levels. Cycling prevents about 6500 deaths each year, and Dutch people have half-a-year-longer life expectancy because of cycling. These health benefits correspond to more than 3% of the Dutch gross domestic product. Our study confirmed that investments in bicycle-promoting policies (e.g., improved bicycle infrastructure and facilities) will likely yield a high cost-benefit ratio in the long term.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Bicycling / economics
  • Bicycling / physiology*
  • Bicycling / statistics & numerical data
  • Cost Savings / economics
  • Economics, Medical
  • Health Policy / economics
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Life Expectancy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mortality
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Young Adult