Promoting mental health through cycling and walking: a win-win approach for health and sustainability

Addressing the triple challenge of physical inactivity, the growing need for healthy and sustainable mobility, and for intersectoral action on mental health, this brief presents the first overview of review studies and the growing body of evidence on the impacts of active mobility across the life course and a wide range of mental health conditions. It also collates evidence-based practical tips and project examples to promote further investments into active mobility and research on its effects on mental health, to help address the heavy burden of mental ill-health and physical inactivity in the WHO European Region. Overall, the findings are encouraging and support investments in safe active mobility, which can help enhance mental health and well-being for people of all ages, along with physical health and sustainability.