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Southern Cycling for Health

Background:

Southern Area Physical Activity Implementation Group, a multi-sectoral partnership that provides direction on the implementation of the Northern Ireland Physical Activity Strategy throughout the Southern Area.

Walking and cycling are still recognised as two of the most suitable, successful and accessible ways of increasing our levels of daily physical activity for the benefit of health. In recognition of this the SAIG Group initiated and developed a pioneering Cycling for Health Initiative in the SHSCT area which is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Aim of project:

Increase awareness of the health benefits of cycling
Increase the number of people in Southern Area Cycling for Health
Train qualified cycle leaders to National Standards who can lead Cycling for Health groups within their local community

How Cycling for Health has been implemented:

30 adult bicycles bicycle purchased through SAIG partnership
Stored – 10 x 3 pod locations across SHSCT
Pod locations – Portadown, Armagh, Newry
Sites easily accessible to the National Cycle Network in Northern Ireland
Cycle Leaders trained by Tricycle to Level 2 of the National Standards
3 x Cycle Coordinators to support the scheme and cycle leaders locally
Cycle leaders deliver programmes of lead health cycles on behalf of their group or organisation and therefore come from a range of health, council, education, voluntary and community organisations.

Cycle leaders can deliver programmes of lead health cycles on behalf of their group or organisation and therefore come from a range of health, council, education, voluntary and community organisations.

It is intended that this initiative will be rolled out across other council areas in the SHSCT with further training being offered to increase the number of local cycle leaders.

Benefits of cycling:

Provides an excellent workout for the heart
Almost half the risk of having a heart attack by helping to reduce risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol
Improves mental well being by helping to reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and depression and helping you to sleep better
Promotes mobility of the hip and knee joints
Cycling exercises most of the muscles in your legs and bum – so it’s an excellent way to tone these areas.
It’s a practical way to keep fit. 75% all personal journeys are less than 5 miles long – that’s half an hour on a bike.
Switching short journeys from car to bicycle will benefit your health and your community. You'll be helping to reduce noise and air pollution as well as traffic congestion
It’s cheaper than joining a gym! Bicycles require no MOT, no insurance, no licensing and above all no fuel.
Bicycles can be parked almost anywhere for free.
Riding a bike can help you maintain a healthy weight. Average cycling burns about 300 calories per hour and gives a level of fitness equivalent to being 10 years younger.