Free Bicycles To Combat Obesity

A British cycling legend sparked controversy last week saying that overweight people should be given free bicycles on the NHS to help them get in shape.

Former yellow jersey holder and Olympic champion Chris Boardman believes that rather than the current offering from GP’s of a free gym pass, access to a bike would be more likely to combat obesity.

Urging the Government to embrace cycling as an effective measure to get the nation in shape, he said: "The Department of Health should be screaming at the top of its voice and banging on doors saying, for God's sake, if people want to ride bikes, get everything out of their way and we’re all going to benefit."

Boardman, who campaigns for improved cycling infrastructure on Britain's roads, said that forcing people to go to the gym actually had the adverse effect of putting them off exercise. Instead, the idea of cycling being used as a mode of transport would mean consistent daily exercise and a lifestyle change, as opposed to a quick fix at the gym, which usually ends in quitting.

He told The Sun: "The problem with those solutions is that they bolt on to your life, so they’re a chore.

"If you can build an activity almost subconsciously into getting around then it happens organically. And that’s sustainable.

"If I want to go to the gym, I come in some nights and I’m tired and I can’t be bothered. If when I come in I’ve just done three or four miles home, I’ve already done my exercise.

"The vast majority of journeys in this country are less than five miles. Thirty per cent are less than two miles and still the preference is to make them by car. 

"So if it becomes part of the fabric of my life I’m going to do it."

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