A new 18 year long study of 18,000 commuters as subjects finds that driving to work is detrimental to our individual well-being as wall as detrimental to our collective well being.
Walking or cycling to work 'improves wellbeing'
Switching from driving a car to walking or cycling to work improves our wellbeing, a study suggests.
Active commuters felt better able to concentrate and under less strain than when travelling by car, University of East Anglia (UEA) researchers said.
Even going by public transport was preferable to driving, data from 18,000 UK commuters over 10 years suggested.
Researchers said policies encouraging people to leave their cars at home could have a big impact on well-being.
The physical health benefits of exercise are already well known and this study reinforces the idea that there are positive psychological effects too.
Those who had an active commute were found to have a higher level of wellbeing than those who went by car or public transport.
When researchers analysed the wellbeing of a small group who swapped the car or bus for a bike or going on foot, they found they became happier after the switch.
"But as buses or trains also give people time to relax, read, socialise, and there is usually an associated walk to the bus stop or railway station, it appears to cheer people up."
Doing the right thing for the planet is also the most beneficial for us as individuals.