A new study found that people that biked around 30 miles per week because they drove a car to work had a 41% lower risk of dying from any cause, a 45% lower incidence of cancer and 46% lower heart disease risk over a 5-year period.
Walking more than 6 miles per week was also associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
This study shows an association and does not prove causation. However, the study did adjust for a wide range of health, demographic, and behavioral factors and still found the significant association between cycling and lower risk of death.