For the same distance, walking or running is usually a bigger expenditure of energy. However for the same time, you can go faster and farther on a bike so the energy expenditure is very close to the same. I'm sure we can find instances where the comparison will favor one over the other depending on how hard the effort.
I don't really have an answer for your question though. However pedaling slowly is not something I see as a benefit for anything. Shift to that lowest gear and pedal fast.
You've reminded me of a very old looking man that was coming toward me up a hill the other day on his bike. I was very impressed as he was doing it right... IMO. He only appeared to be going up that hill about 5 mph, yet he had a good 80 to 90 rpm cadence going. Along with a big smile on his face and a pleasant relaxed demeanor. I'm hoping I'm still doing that when I'm his age. But I'll miss going up that same 5.5% hill at the the 21 mph or better that I average going up it currently.
Last edited by Iride01; 11-22-22 at 04:56 PM.