Hostile cities increase stroke risk, says Sustrans – but cycling is a wonder-drug

The Stroke Association has stated that in England in 2014 there were 6,221 hospital admissions for men aged 40-54 stuffing from strokes – a rise of 1,961 on 14 years earlier.

Experts said unhealthy lifestyles were partly to blame for the rise, though the growing population and changes to hospital practice also played a part.

Philip Insall, Director of Health for Sustrans, said:

“Our cities have evolved into places that are hostile to walking and cycling; but being physically active every day is a wonder drug that can’t be ignored.

“Since the 1960s, levels of physical activity in the UK dropped by a fifth and if current trends continue, will reduce by more than a third by 2030. As a direct result more and more people are suffering from strokes, heart disease, diabetes and many forms of cancer.’

“The UK chief medical officers have stressed that physical activity as part of normal daily routine, such as from walking and cycling regular short journeys, is the best and easiest way to reduce those disease risks.’

“So it is of paramount importance that the incoming administration should invest in helping people get active by walking and cycling for their everyday short journeys.”