City of York Council's drive to promote cycling as an alternative form of transport to the car could have long term health benefits according to new research which there are real health benefits for women who choose cycling as a regular mode of transport.

The research, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, has identified that cycling could cut women's risk of developing breast cancer by one third.

Three hours of moderately intensive cycling over the week can have a protective effect of 34 per cent, according to the study carried out by German researchers. Just under 400 pre-menopausal women under 45 who had already had breast cancer were studied, along with 880 healthy volunteers.

Dan Johnson, City of York Council's principal transport planner (communications), said that exercise was widely acknowledged as being beneficial to health, reducing the chance of developing certain cancers, heart disease and strokes. There was also evidence that obesity, which is linked to inactivity, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Dan said, "This research strengthens the message that cycling is good for your health. We are constantly working to promote cycling across the city, reminding people of the health benefits of active travel and how the journey to work, either cycling or walking can have long term health benefits."

Improving health is the first objective of York's publicly backed five year, £50m local transport plan.

ENDS