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Retail Sector Reacts with Cautious Welcome to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

Retail and small business organisations have given a cautious welcome to business-focused aspects of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

17 Nov 2022, more…

Confront the recession head on, says the ACT.

Cycle retailers around the UK facing up to the imminent challenges of recession will need to stay one step ahead of the curve to survive. Now is the time to benefit from being part of something...

17 Nov 2022, more…

Grants of £30K available to create up to eight secure cycle storage facilities across Belfast

Belfast City Council is seeking expressions of interest to provide publicly accessible secure cycle storage facilities across the city.

15 Nov 2022, more…

Global Bicycle Market Forecast to reach $130 billion by 2033

New research from Research Nester has forecast that between now and 2033, the global bicycle market could reach an estimated value of approximately $130 billion, by expanding at a compound...

15 Nov 2022, more…

Mary Portas warns government to act now or see half of high street shops shut

Ahead of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement this week, retail expert Mary Portas called on the Government to rethink business rates and VAT to help struggling retailers.

14 Nov 2022, more…

94% independent retailers urge government to ‘preserve UK high streets’

A new report by Ankorstore and retail consultant Mary Portas has found that 94% of independent retailers want the government to act in next week’s budget to preserve the UK’s high...

10 Nov 2022, more…

bira offers guidance on energy bill relief scheme

bira has been offering guidance to retailers on how to take advantage of the Government’s energy bill relief scheme.

9 Nov 2022, more…

Black Friday consumer spending forecast to drop 50% this year

Figures from research conducted by global marketing agency Wunderman Thompson Commerce suggested consumers are set to spend up to 50% less than usual this Black Friday, November 25th.

7 Nov 2022, more…

Cycling Industry News launches annual Market Study

Cycling Industry News’ sixth annual Market Study has today gone live with independent retailers, workshops and mobile mechanics invited to take part by clicking here.

3 Nov 2022, more…

A third of drivers want cyclists banned from public highways, new research suggests

New research has suggested as many as one in three drivers believe cyclists shouldn’t be allowed on public highways and should be confined to cycle paths.

3 Nov 2022, 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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