Prime Minister announces cycling prescription plans

Boris Johnson has announced a number of new plans to overhaul cycling and walking in England, as part of his ongoing bid to drive down obesity and protect the NHS.

Taking up cycling has been proven to offer huge benefits for people’s physical and mental health. Now, backed by £2 billion, announced in February, the Prime Minister has outlined a number of measures which he feels will tackle the cause of ill health and maintain the increased uptake in cycling seen during the pandemic to date.

The plans include efforts to help people live healthier lives by piloting a new approach in selected places with poor health rates to encourage GPs to prescribe cycling, with patients able to access bikes through their local surgery.

Among the other measure are: plans to provide cycle training for every child and adult who wants it, accessible through schools, local authorities or direct from cycle training schemes; more cycle racks installed at transport hubs, town and city centres and public buildings; higher standards for cycling infrastructure, to be overseen by a new inspectorate; improving the National Cycle Network; and more ‘school streets’ to reduce traffic by schools.

Johnson said: “From helping people get fit and healthy and lowering their risk of illness, to improving air quality and cutting congestion, cycling and walking have a huge role to play in tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face.

“But to build a healthier, more active nation, we need the right infrastructure, training and support in place to give people the confidence to travel on two wheels. That’s why now is the time to shift gears and press ahead with our biggest and boldest plans yet to boost active travel – so that everyone can feel the transformative benefits of cycling.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps added: “We’ve got a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a shift in attitudes for generations to come, and get more people choosing to cycle or walk as part of their daily routine. The measures we’ve set out today in this revolutionary plan will do just that. No matter your age, how far you’re travelling, or your current confidence on a bike – there are plans to help and support you.

“By helping to fix your bike – or get an electrically powered one; by increasing storage space at stations, on trains and buses; and by introducing more ways to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe, we’re making it easier than ever to make active travel part of your daily life, and leading England to become a great cycling nation.”