More than 1,000 people complete West Yorkshire cycle referral scheme
More than 1,000 people in West Yorkshire have taken part in a ‘ground-breaking’ referral scheme, where cycling is prescribed in a bid to improve mental health.
The Cycle for Health scheme, launched in 2015, provides people with long-term conditions a 12-week programme of cycle skills training.
The scheme is delivered by the national cycling charity, Cycling UK, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme, which encourages more people to travel by bike and on foot.
In the last year, 141 people were referred to the scheme by GP surgeries, hospitals, clinical commissioning groups and mental health charities – leading to ‘considerable improvements in mental wellbeing’.
Participants reported a 32% increase in confidence, a 29% increase in feeling close to others and a 26% increase in feeling relaxed.
