Walking, wheeling and cycling to be offered on prescription in nationwide trial

Walking, wheeling and cycling to be offered on prescription in nationwide trial - Department for Transport

Eleven local authority areas in England to benefit from £12.7 million in multi-year funding.

trials in 11 areas across the country to help people’s mental and physical health
GPs will issue social prescriptions such as walking, wheeling and cycling, backed by £12.7 million
schemes will include cycling and walking groups, cycle training and free bike loans

Social prescriptions, including walking, wheeling and cycling, will be offered by GPs as part of a new trial to improve mental and physical health and reduce disparities across the country, the government has announced today (Monday 22 August).

The government has awarded £12.7 million in multi-year funding to 11 local authority areas in England. The funding will go towards several pilot projects in each location, including:

adult cycle training
free bike loans
walking groups

Other schemes include all-ability cycling taster days where people who may not have cycled before can try to in a friendly environment, 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.