For every year of life lost through cycling accidents, 20 are gained

Live dangerously, it's safer says an article in today's Times.

In a review of "How to Live Dangerously: Why We Should All Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Warwick Cairns, it says....

Though cyclists are more likely to die in road accidents than motorists, road accidents account for only 1.4% of all deaths. Whereas heart and lung disease account for more than half of all deaths with heart disease killing a third of us. People who cycle 25 miles a week halve their risk of heart disease so more cyclists lives are extended by exercise than ended by accidents. Actuarial data reveals that for every year of life lost through cycling accidents, 20 are gained.

Personally, I'm not convinced that the logic fully stands up, and I suspect some of this is for dramatic effect, but I certainly have sympathy with the spirit.