<b>Study finds biking to work is a dangerous option</b>

The birthplace of flight increasingly is becoming known as a good place to ride thanks to a new cycling tour, mountain bike park and bike lane additions. The Dayton region is home to the nation’s largest network of paved, off-street bike trails, and biking opportunities have taken off because of the Link bike-share program, Mike’s indoor bike park and public infrastructure investments. But bicycling fanatics have more to be excited about because the Rotary Club of Dayton in September will host the inaugural Tour de Gem – The Dayton Cycling Classic. Also, the city of Dayton is working to transform the underutilized Welcome Park near UD Arena into a mountain bike park that officials say will be unlike anything in the immediate area. "Bicycling has a deep history in the Dayton region and continues to be a quality of life amenity, economic driver and contributor in creating a healthy, active community," said Randy Ryberg, outdoor recreation coordinator for Five Rivers MetroParks. TY GREENLEES / STAFF

The birthplace of flight increasingly is becoming known as a good place to ride thanks to a new cycling tour, mountain bike park and bike lane additions. The Dayton region is home to the nation’s largest network of paved, off-street bike trails, and biking opportunities have taken off because of the Link bike-share program, Mike’s indoor bike park and public infrastructure investments. But bicycling fanatics have more to be excited about because the Rotary Club of Dayton in September will host the inaugural Tour de Gem – The Dayton Cycling Classic. Also, the city of Dayton is working to transform the underutilized Welcome Park near UD Arena into a mountain bike park that officials say will be unlike anything in the immediate area. "Bicycling has a deep history in the Dayton region and continues to be a quality of life amenity, economic driver and contributor in creating a healthy, active community," said Randy Ryberg, outdoor recreation coordinator for Five Rivers MetroParks. TY GREENLEES / STAFF
By Michael Everman
March 12, 2020
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Cycling to work can lead to better fitness and health, but it is still one of the riskier ways to commute.

A new study finds bicyclists have a 45 percent greater risk of being injured in transit compared to other commuters.

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The study, from the B-M-J Journal, also found the longer the commute, the greater the risk of injury.

In an editorial, one Harvard researcher said it shows there's an urgent need to improve safety for cyclists.

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However, the news was not all bad for those who bike to and from work.

On the positive side, cyclists showed a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease like heart attacks and stroke

They also had a lower risk of first cancer diagnosis and lower risk of death overall.

About the Author

Michael Everman