Defence: Bicycling in the right direction?

Content

Based on two systematic reviews, we found that cycling was associated with a 22% lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with passive transport.

• Solveig Nordengen is a research fellow at the Department of Sports Medicine at NIH. She is currently working at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL).
• December 9 she will defend her dissertation, "Bicycling in the right direction?" (pdf)
• READ our popular science article about her findings: Major health and financial benefits to be gained from cycling to work

In Norway, we found several factors associated with commuter cycling. Travel distance below 5 km, having good health, being physically active, and owing an e-bike increased the likelihood of cycling.

Finally, we observed an 11% increase in counted cycle trips from 2018 to 2020, with large geographical differences.

Conclusions

Cyclists have a lower risk of CVD. Cycling is recommended as a way to to prevent CVD and in general, individuals should aim to increase the amount of cycling. Both personal and environmental factors are associated with the increased likelihood of cycling.

Nationally, we observed a significant increase in counted trips, while the regional and local indices indicated geographical differences.

Main findings

• Cycling is associated with 22 % lower risk of CVD.
• Travel distance below 5 km increased the probability of cycling.
• In Norway, we observed an 11% increase in counted cycle trips from 2018 to 2020.

• MORE about the project: Førde Active Transport Studie, FACT

Committee

• Professor Grethe Myklebust , Department of Sport Medicine, NIH, chair
• Professor Paul Kelly , Physical Activity for Health Research Center, University of Edinburgh
• Professor Sindre Dyrstad , Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger

Supervisors

• Professor Lars Bo Andersen - Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) - chair
• Associate Professor Ane Solbraa - Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences (HVL)
• Associate Professor Amund Riiser - Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences (HVL)

Program

10:15 - 11:00: Trial lecture
"What novel technological strategies are effective to increase physical activity in the population? Discuss the extent that new approaches like eBikes, wearable technology, web-based approaches, and others help improve physical activity and health. A critical review of the last decade's research"

13:00 - 16:00: Public defence
"Bicycling in the right direction?"

General information

The defense is open to the public - welcome!

It is also streamed (see recording)

Contact us

Sigmund Alfred Anderssen

Head of Department

E-mail: sigmundaa@nih.no

Phone: +47 23 26 23 01 / +47 452 79 348

Solveig Sunde

Head of Office

E-mail: solveigs@nih.no

Phone: +47 23 26 23 45 / +47 930 86 045