The physical benefits of Scotland’s National Cycle Network were worth nearly a third of a billion pounds in 2014, according to a leading charity.
Sustrans, which encourages people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for everyday journeys, announced the figures after using the World Health Organisation’s health economic assessment tool.
The result was a saving of £321 million due to the value of reduced mortality directly resulting from people walking or cycling more.
Sustrans’ surveys also found 58.4% of users of walking and cycling routes reported they met their recommended level physical activity of 30 minutes on five days a week.
Additional figures collected by the charity show the estimated number of walking and cycling trips on the network, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, was 121 million in 2014.
Health problems connected with obesity including diabetes and liver disease cost the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds every year.
A report produced by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre in January claimed the problem could be costing the NHS as much as £600 million a year, with obesity in general costing Scotland up to £4.6 billion a year.
John Lauder, Sustrans Scotland national director, said: “When it comes to Scotland’s health, it’s clear that active travel is one of the best value investments that any government can make – with the health benefits valued at hundreds of millions of pounds.
“Scotland’s National Cycle Network is an asset when it comes to tackling obesity, one of the biggest challenges facing the NHS today.
“Walking and cycling allows people to meet the recommended levels of exercise just by making everyday journeys under their own steam.
“The estimated number trips on the network shows there’s a clear demand for safe and attractive walking and cycling routes.”
Dr Catherine Calderwood, Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, said: “Taking the recommended amount of physical activity can dramatically cut your chances of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even cancer.
“It can also greatly improve mental wellbeing. The National Cycle Network is extremely valuable because it makes it easier for people to make physical activity part of their daily routines.”