Cycling for Health and Environment: physiological responses and environmental advantages of bicycle commuting, an experimental study in the Udine area

The historical interplay between urban planning and public health, originating during the Industrial Revolution, provides critical insights into modern challenges. Rapid urbanization led to poor living conditions and disease outbreaks, prompting 19th-century sanitary reforms focused on ventilation, sanitation, and green spaces. However, the 20th century saw a divergence between the fields, leading to car-dependent urban sprawl, sedentary lifestyles, and fragmented spaces. Efforts like New Urbanism and Tactical Urbanism aimed to counteract these trends with pedestrian-friendly designs, but their impact on public health remained limited. Modern socio-ecological models highlight the influence of built environments on physical activity and health. Transportation, a key factor, connects mobility with health outcomes, as physical inactivity contributes to chronic diseases and economic strain. Research in exercise physiology reveals the importance of oxidative metabolism in systemic health, emphasizing the protective role of physical activity against chronic conditions. Public health strategies increasingly integrate active travel, such as walking and cycling, to promote health and sustainability. The studies presented in this thesis explore the physiological, environmental, and infrastructural impacts of bicycle commuting, focusing on health benefits, safety, and urban planning implications in the Udine area. The research had three key objectives: to assess the physiological responses of bicycle commuting, evaluate the safety and infrastructure of cycling routes, and propose evidence-based urban planning scenarios to support sustainable mobility and preventive medicine. The first study compared bicycle and car commuting over short distances (4.5 km, 17 minutes) among 57 participants. Findings revealed that bicycle commuters demonstrated higher aerobic power (V̇O2peak), improved microvascular function, and significantly lower CO2 emissions (~12 times less than car commuting). Additionally, participants transitioning from car to bicycle commuting experienced measurable health improvements within 24 weeks. The second study examined cycling infrastructure and road safety using GPS data and regional accident records. Long-term cyclists utilized dedicated paths more frequently (26% of trips vs. 3-4% for short-term users) but faced higher risks of cycling-specific accidents due to greater exposure. Limited infrastructure connectivity and accessibility were identified as key barriers. Overall, the research highlights the substantial health and environmental advantages of bicycle commuting, including improved aerobic power, reduced inflammatory markers, and lower carbon emissions (~10 g/km). However, safety challenges and underutilized infrastructure underscore the need for better cycling networks and supportive policies. The findings support proximity-based urban planning models, such as the "15-minute city," which prioritize active mobility and reduce car dependency. Locally, the Evidence-Based Active Territory Scenario for Udine proposes leveraging the region's flat terrain and diffuse settlements to promote cycling as a primary mode of transportation. This interdisciplinary approach emphasizes the role of urban planning in addressing public health, sustainability, and mobility challenges, advocating for targeted investments, education, and tailored policies to enhance active transportation and ecological transition.