GPs across parts of England will be able to prescribe their patients with walking, wheeling or cycling as part of a new trial to improve mental and physical health.
The Government trial aims to evaluate the impact of active travel on an individual’s health, such as reduced GP appointments and reliance on medication due to more physical activity.
A total of 11 local authorities will be involved, receiving a share of £12.7 million.
This will be used to set up pilot projects for GPs to prescribe, including adult cycle training, free bike loans and walking groups.
Other schemes could include all-ability cycling taster days for people who may not have cycled before, or walking and cycling mental health groups where people can connect with their communities as they get active.
The pilots must be delivered alongside improved infrastructure so people feel safe to cycle and walk.
Trudy Harrison, walking and cycling minister, said: “Walking and cycling has so many benefits – from improving air quality in our communities to reducing congestion on our busiest streets.
“It also has an enormous positive impact on physical and mental health, which is why we have funded these projects which will get people across the country moving and ease the burden on our NHS.”
The 11 local authority areas that will trial social prescriptions are: Bath and North East Somerset, Bradford, Cornwall, Cumbria, Doncaster, Gateshead, Leeds, Nottingham, Plymouth, Suffolk and Staffordshire.
The project will be delivered between 2022 and 2025 with on-going monitoring and evaluation to support continued learning.
Chris Boardman, national active travel commissioner, said: “Moving more will lead to a healthier nation, a reduced burden on the NHS, less cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as huge cost savings.
“This trial aims to build on existing evidence to show how bringing transport, active travel and health together can make a positive impact on communities across England.”
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