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INTRODUCTION

Public policies aimed at carbon neutrality offer co-benefits beyond the climate, particularly in the field of public health. In the transport sector, decarbonization means shifting from carbon-intensive modes of transport to cycling. The physical activity generated by cycling over the next few years could therefore generate significant health and economic benefits.

AIM OF THE STUDY

A health impact assessment was carried out to quantify the benefits associated with cycling in France in 2030, according to the projections of the national low-carbon strategy. These estimates were compared with two scenarios in which French cycling practices correspond to those observed in other European countries, Denmark (2011 - 2013) and the Netherlands (2020).

RESULTS

In 2030, according to the National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC) scenario, the potential health benefits of cycling would prevent around 5,000 deaths [95% CI = 3,010; 6,521] more than in 2019. These impacts could double or even quadruple if the French reach the practices of their Danish and Dutch counterparts, offsetting the macroeconomic losses associated with climate policies.

CONCLUSIONS

Changing our lifestyles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is an opportunity to improve human health and illustrates the convergence of climate and health issues.