Cyclists most likely to arrive at work 'refreshed'

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Cyclists are the most likely to commuter to arrive feeling refreshed after their commute, a survey for Aviva has found.

Over half of those who cycled to work reported feeling refreshed while 24% reported feeling motivated after the commute, the highest for all forms of transport.

Commuters' happiness with their fitness levels was highest for cyclists, with 71% of cyclists happy with their fitness levels compared to 63% of walkers, 56% of train and tube passengers, 54% of car drivers and 36% of those who didn't commute.

Motivation was improved by commuting for 12% of bus passengers, 8% of drivers and 6% of those using train and tube, the survey of 2000 adults found.

Walking was the second best mode of transport for improving mood, with 38% of those surveyed reporting an improved mood while 33% of those motorcycling into work reported an improved mood.

Commuting by bus improved the mood of 18% of those surveyed, with 14% of those commuting by car and 9% of those commuting by train or tube reporting an improved mood.

The survey also found that 11% of drivers, 9% of train and tube commuters, 7% of walkers and 6% of bus commuters would like to use a bicycle to get to work.

Dr Doug Wright, medical director of Aviva UK Health, said: "It's clear that the way people commute to work has a major impact on how they feel when they arrive.

"It seems from our research that if you are willing to jump on a bike and get to work under your own steam it can boost your mood as well as your physical health."

Wright added: "It's interesting that there appears to be a desire to cycle to work, but often that isn't being acted upon.

"Previous research we've done has shown that can be for a number of reasons, often around safety and the distance people live from their workplace.

"But if businesses want to improve the mood of their workforce, it might be an area to explore.

"Offering a Bike to Work scheme, showers at the office or secure bike storage could help convert some drivers to cyclists and businesses could see a benefit from that."

Further reading:

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