Commuting by bicycle (vs. by car) is associated with improved aerobic power, microvascular function and diminished CO₂ output in the atmosphere

The study investigated whether bicycle compared with car commuting, over relatively small distances, has positive effects on physiological variables, cardiometabolic fitness and CO 2 output in the atmosphere. Bike Commuters (11 M, 15 F; age [median value (interquartile range)] 51.5 (38.3–56.8) years; body mass index [BMI] 22.8 (21.0–24.1) kg m −2 ) were compared with Car Commuters (12 M, 19 F; age 47.0 (36.0–56.5) years; BMI 23.5 (21.4–24.9) kg m −2 ). In a longitudinal arm of the study, 20 Car Commuters were re‐evaluated after they switched for 24 weeks to bicycle commuting (Car→Bike Commuters). Measurements included peak aerobic power () and ventilatory thresholds on a cycle ergometer, blood flow increase in the common femoral artery during a passive leg movement (PLM) test, energy expenditure and exhaled during commuting. Bike Commuters had higher (33.7 (31.3–38.1) versus 25.3 (23.5–28.9) mL kg −1 min −1 , P < 0.001) and ventilatory thresholds than Car Commuters, higher Δpeak blood flow (+25%, P = 0.04) and area under the blood flow versus time curve (+46%, P = 0.03) during PLM, and an enhanced skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism. and PLM variables increased in Car→Bike Commuters. Metabolic CO 2 output during bicycle commuting was ∼12 times less than that for a petrol car. In moderately active individuals, short‐distance bicycle commuting at moderate intensity was associated, compared with car commuting, with positive effects on several physiological functions and environmental factors.