Government says doctors will ‘prescribe cycling’ to make people fitter

Doctors will begin prescribing cycling to get Britain fitter as part of ‘once in a generation’ changes to the way we travel in the wake of the coronavirus crisis, the Government has said.

Chairing the daily Downing Street briefing transport secretary Grant Shapps announced a series of measures to get the country moving again once lockdown measures are eased.

Although doing so without overcrowding the transport network poses an ‘enormous logistical challenge’, he said it also presents ‘an opportunity to make lasting changes that could not only make us fitter but also better off both mentally and physically in the long run’.

Mr Shapps earlier unveiled a £2 billion cycle and walking package to reduce the number of people using public transport when they return to work.

He said: ‘Plans are also being developed to boost bike fixing facilities across the country, what’s more, over the next few months we’ll set out further measures to make a once in a generation change to the way that people travel in Britain.

‘This will include tough new standards for cycling infrastructure, a new national cycling champion to inspire us, much closer links to the NHS with GPs prescribing cycling to help get us fitter, legal changes to protect vulnerable road users, at least one zero emission city with the centre restricted to bikes and electric vehicles only and the creation of a long term cycling programme and budget just like we have already for our roads.’

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