Cycling to work cuts risk of cancer and heart disease

New research suggests cycling to work could almost halve the risk of developing heart disease and cancer.

A five-year study of more than a 250,000 people found regular cycling cut the risk of death from any cause by 41%, the incidence of cancer by 45% and heart disease by 46%.

Overall, 2,430 of those studied died, 3,748 were diagnosed with cancer and 1,110 had heart problems.

Cyclists clocked up an average of 30 miles per week and walkers about six miles per week.

Dr Jason Gill, who is one of the researchers at Glasgow University, told the BBC that more should be done to make it easier for people to cycle to work.