A major study of more than 10,000 people found those who cycle at least 20 miles a week are half as likely to have heart problems as those who do not cycle at all.
Some research suggests we should be burning up at least 2,000 calories a week through exercise, actually far more than used by the recommended 30 minutes of moderately intensive exercise five times a week. Cycling burns about 300 calories an hour, so if you do it twice a day, the numbers soon add up.
So, cycling is good for your heart and combats obesity. This means if more people took up cycling, the NHS would be treating less people for heart and obesity related problems. The money saved by the healthcare sector could be utilised elsewhere.
In this programme we speak to the leading advocates for cycling in the UK as a means to get us and the environment healthier.
We hear from Boris Johnson, Mayor of London who is investing 100-million pounds into a new initiative to get more people cycling - either for pleasure or for commuting- in London. The plans are part of Mayor Boris Johnsons new cycling strategy aimed at improving health and protecting the Capitals environment.