Arnold Schwarzenegger and Peter Sagan team up to promote cycling
Posted on in Business News , Cycles News
Anne Hidalgo - Mayor of Paris, Arnold Schwarzenegger and world champion Peter Sagan have come together and released statements in support of more people switching to cycling.
New research conducted by the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group concluded that cycling to work on safe and green infrastructure, can reduce the risk of heart disease, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and lead to an increase in the average life expectancy of citizens of Paris.
To promote the findings and cycling, the mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger the founder of R20 Regions of Climate Action and world champion Peter Sagan have jointly released statements in support of cycling.
I couldn't be with Governor @Schwarzenegger and Mayor @Anne_Hidalgo today in Paris but I support their efforts to switch people from driving to cycling. It is good for your health, it makes you happier and it is good for the planet!! @c40cities @Regions20 pic.twitter.com/GS1p1C4DfQ
— Peter Sagan (@petosagan) December 11, 2017
"Sorry I can't be there with you in Paris to help spread the word that cycling instead of driving can save thousands of lives every year," Sagan said in a video posted on his social media channels. "I am passionate about getting more people onto their bikes because I know it's good for your health, it makes you happier and it's good for the planet."
"I am proud to stand with mayor Hidalgo to bring the life and the spotlight," said Arnold Schwarzenegger. "As we both know, governors and mayors have a duty to protect the health and safety of their citizens, and air pollution is one of the greatest threats to mankind, with over seven million people dying worldwide every year.
"Together, through the R20 and C40, we will inspire sub-national leaders around the globe to focus on the immediate dangers and health impacts of fossil fuels," Schwarzenegger said.
According to the report, cycling 30 minutes a day or walking at a brisk pace 5 days a week leads to a 23% reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, a 15% reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, a 14% reduced risk of depression, a 12% reduced risk of breast cancer, an 11% reduced risk of dementia and an 8% reduced risk of colon cancer.
The commitments made under the C40 Green and Healthy Streets Declaration could lead to an estimated 400 air quality related premature deaths reduction, and add 21 days on average to the life expectancy of Paris residents.
"If the policies are escalated to cities and regions around the world, the health benefits will affect tens of thousands of people. Now we see just how dangerous those forces who want to prevent the shift to clean and healthy streets really are. Nothing will hold us back," said Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris and C40 chair.