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eBay to restrict UK e-bike sales on its platform in effort to encourage safe usage

eBay is tightening regulations on e-bike and e-bike battery sales in the UK from 31 October, in a change aimed at prioritising consumer safety.

30 Oct 2024, more…

How much cash do you still accept? Independent cycling retailers can respond to this survey today

ACT parent company Bira is working with UK Finance and other organisations who form the UK’s wholesale cash industry to gain vital information to ensure businesses get the best possible...

30 Oct 2024, more…

Chancellor urged to invest in cycling and walking initiatives ahead of this week’s Budget in open letter

Eighteen organisations, including Cycling UK, Greenpeace, The Centre for Mental Health, and The Association of Directors of Public Health, have urged the Chancellor to allocate 10% of the...

29 Oct 2024, more…

Renticy analysis: Pelotons Rental Initiative

Peloton Interactive has strategically launched a rental programme, broadening its market appeal. Traditionally, Peloton’s offerings have been positioned as premium, high-investment...

24 Oct 2024, more…

Local cycling hubs to close as UK manufacturer looks to support independent bike dealers

UK cycling manufacturer Whyte Bikes has announced the closure of its three cycling experience hubs following a major shift in the company’s strategy, which includes supporting independent...

22 Oct 2024, more…

ACT Urges Vigilance in E-bike Reporting and Promotes Positive Campaign

The ACT is launching a campaign to ensure fair and accurate reporting of e-bike-related news while promoting the positive aspects of e-bike usage.

15 Oct 2024, more…

Cycle to Work scheme provider Gogeta reports significant increase in employer sign-ups

Cycle to Work scheme provider Gogeta has reported a significant increase in the number of employers signing up to its scheme.

10 Oct 2024, more…

Cycling charity that recycles and rehomes bikes raising funds to tackle ‘significant’ cost increases

A UK cycling charity focused on recycling unused bikes and providing them to disadvantaged people has set up a fundraiser to help tackle significant increases in its costs.

9 Oct 2024, more…

Independent, Retailer, Cyclesense, Rebrand, Online, Growth, bike, shop, local, nationally, cycling, national, ecommerce

Long-standing independent bike shop Cyclesense has revealed a complete rebrand as it seeks to reflect its evolution from a local shop to a nationally recognised cycling retailer.

9 Oct 2024, more…

FSB launches blueprint to revitalise UK high streets and boost tourism

The Federation of Small Businesses has launched a new initiative, which it says aims to transform high streets across the UK, by advancing economic, social, and cultural benefits, while also...

3 Oct 2024, more…

GPs to prescribe cycling to help improve mental & physical health

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GPs to prescribe cycling to help improve mental & physical health

Posted on 24 Aug 2022

The Department for Transport has announced a £12.7m trial to begin later this year, in which GPs in England will be able to prescribe walking or cycling as a way of improving mental and physical health and easing the burden on the NHS.

Initially 11 places will receive funding for doctors are to start "social prescription" pilots. The plan aims to reduce GP appointments and people's reliance on medication. The pilots run until 2025 in Bradford, Leeds, Doncaster, Cumbria, Gateshead, Nottingham, Staffordshire, Suffolk, Plymouth, Cornwall, Bath and NE Somerset.

The new Gear Change Plan pilots would be "hugely beneficial" to overall mental and physical health, said the DfT. The pilots will include adult cycle training for all abilities, plus more walking groups for exercise and mental health. Free bike loans will be offered.

Walking and cycling minister Trudy Harrison said more cycling and walking would "ease the burden on our NHS" as well as "improving air quality and reducing congestion".

The government said the authorities must also improve infrastructure, so people felt safe walking and cycling.

"We need healthier, cheaper and more pleasant ways to get around for everyday trips," he said cyclist Chris Boardman, commissioner of National Active Travel, a government agency set up to improve the UK's cycling and walking infrastructure.

"Moving more will lead to a healthier nation, a reduced burden on the NHS, less cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and huge cost savings."

However, while GPs agree the pilot funding is "great news", with obesity a risk factor for Type-2 diabetes, cancers, liver and respiratory disease, some say overstretched surgeries cannot take on even more work created by the pilots.

"Should GPs refer people to these schemes, or should they look after sick people?" asked Doncaster GP Dr Dean Eggitt.  "We don't have capacity for both."

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