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NHS could save '£250m per year' with cycling

The NHS could save at least £250 million every year if 10% of the trips in England and Wales were made by bike, researchers at Cambridge University found.

Cycling more would make the public happier and healthier, researchers said. Credit: PA

Research commissioned by British Cycling found there would be an almost 5% reduction in the number of sedentary lifestyle related illnesses, like heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Dr James Woodcock, a senior researcher at Cambridge University's centre for diet and activity research, said: "Cycling is a great way for people to embed physical activity in their everyday lives.

"If we can get people to stay active throughout their lives then it can make a huge difference to their health."