NHS launches prescription bikes to tackle heart disease

This article was taken from: https://news.sky.com/story/nhs-launches-prescription-bikes-to-tackle-heart-disease-11714651

By Sky News

NHS patients in Wales will now be able to get a prescription for town bikes in an attempt to cut the risk of death from heart disease.

GPs in Cardiff will be trialling the bike share scheme in what is the first of its kind in the UK.

The pilot scheme, launched today, will allow doctors to prescribe patients with a six-month membership with bike share provider nextbike and “dish out a dose of pedal power,” NHS Wales said.

Regular cycling could cut the risk of death from heart disease by half, the health agency said.

The trial will start with two GP practices initially: Lansdowne Surgery and Fariwater Health Centre. It will run for a number of months while NHS seeks feedback from participants.

“I’m really proud to be involved in this groundbreaking pilot,” said Dr Tom Porter, a consultant with Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Public Health Wales.

“Cycling is a fantastic form of physical activity and riding your bike is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of ill health while building your cardiovascular fitness. It’s also great for improving mental well-being too.”