WHO Report: How Walking and Cycling Can Help Fix Europe’s Growing Mental Health Crisis

A new WHO report shows that everyday walking and cycling can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, depression and anxiety while supporting cognitive health across all ages. By embedding active mobility into daily life and city design, countries can tackle mental ill-health, physical inactivity and climate goals at the same time.

Every day, millions of Europeans travel to work, school or the shops without realizing that their choice of transport may be shaping their mental health. According to a new policy brief from the World Health Organization, walking and cycling are not just ways to get from one place to another; they may be some of the most effective and overlooked tools to improve mental well-being. The report, produced by the WHO European Centre for Environment and Health together with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, argues that everyday movement should be treated as a public mental health solution, not just a lifestyle choice.

Why mental health needs new solutions

Mental health problems are now widespread across Europe. About one in six people lives with a mental health condition, while physical inactivity continues to fuel depression, anxiety and dementia. Between 2020 and 2030, tens of millions of preventable cases of these conditions are expected in Europe alone, creating enormous pressure on health-care systems. Dementia, in particular, already accounts for a large share of health spending. The WHO warns that relying only on traditional solutions such as therapy, medication or organized exercise will not be enough. These approaches are important, but they are hard to scale and difficult for many people to sustain over time

Why walking and cycling make a difference

What makes walking and cycling so powerful is that they fit naturally into daily life. Unlike gym workouts or sports programmes, they do not require extra time, money or equipment. People can walk or cycle while commuting, running errands or visiting friends. This makes active mobility especially suitable for older adults, people with mild to moderate mental health problems, and those with limited time or income. Because these activities are repeated day after day, their mental health benefits can accumulate over time, reaching far more people than targeted exercise programmes ever could.

What the evidence shows

The WHO review brings together findings from dozens of studies across Europe and beyond. The message is consistent: people who walk or cycle regularly tend to report better mental health than those who rely mainly on cars or other motorized transport. Cycling is linked to lower stress levels, better mood and higher energy, while walking is associated with improved well-being and vitality. These benefits appear even after accounting for age, income and education.

The strongest evidence relates to depression. Studies show that walking can significantly reduce depressive symptoms, even at moderate levels. People already experiencing depression often benefit as much as, or more than, others. Among teenagers, actively travelling to school is linked to fewer depressive symptoms, suggesting that healthy travel habits matter early in life. Walking and cycling are also linked to lower stress and better emotional balance, while older adults who maintain their walking ability are less likely to experience cognitive decline or dementia.

Nature, ageing and social connection

The benefits of walking are even greater when nature is involved. Walking in parks, forests or green spaces has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety more than walking in busy urban streets. For older people, staying mobile is also closely tied to independence, confidence and social connection. Programmes like the Netherlands’ CycleOn initiative show how safe cycling routes, training and group rides can reduce loneliness, boost mental well-being and help seniors stay active and connected to their communities.

What this means for cities and policy

The WHO’s message to governments is clear: mental health should be built into transport and urban planning, not treated as a separate issue. Safe pavements, protected bike lanes, shorter distances between homes and services, and access to green spaces all support better mental health. Investing in walking and cycling infrastructure does more than cut emissions or traffic, it helps create healthier, calmer and more resilient communities.

As Europe faces rising mental health needs alongside climate and health challenges, the solution may be closer than expected. Sometimes, improving mental well-being starts not with a prescription, but with a step outside or a ride down a safe, welcoming street