Walk or cycle for 'a happier commute'

Walking or cycling to work instead of driving a car can improve people's feelings of health and happiness.

That's what a study at the University of East Anglia in the UK suggests.

Reporter

Adam Brimelow

Report

<link type="page"><caption> Listen to the report</caption><url href="http://http-ws.bbc.co.uk.edgesuite.net/mp3/learningenglish/2014/09/bbc_witn_cyclists_report_140915_witn_cycling_report_au_bb.mp3" platform="highweb"/></link>

For many people commuting is a necessary evil. Most see going by car or van as the 'least worst' option.

This study by the researchers at the University of East Anglia challenges that assumption.

It suggests walking, cycling or travelling by public transport can lift the mood.

Crucially, it suggests those who switch from the car to an active commute feel better across a range of psychological measures, including concentration, decision making and the ability to face up to problems.

The researchers say policies encouraging people to leave their cars at home could have a dramatic impact on public wellbeing.

Vocabulary

<link type="page"><caption> Listen to the words</caption><url href="http://http-ws.bbc.co.uk.edgesuite.net/mp3/learningenglish/2014/09/bbc_witn_cyclists_words_140915_witn_cycling_words_au_bb.mp3" platform="highweb"/></link>

a necessary evil: sesuatu yang tidak disukai

assumption: asumsi

lift the mood: menyebabkan lebih senang, puas atau bahagia

to face up to: menghadapi

dramatic: tiba-tiba dan langsung terasa

wellbeing: kesejahteraan