Peterborough Panto pedalling to positive health

Over half the population of the UK is overweight and one in five is obese and this has a major impact on levels of heart disease. With high levels of heart disease and a life expectancy some 5 years less than our neighbours in S. Cambridgeshire, the people of Peterborough now have a new ally in the fight against the flab and the war against this disease.

A brand new scheme called Cycling for Health will be launched in Cathedral Square with a VIP Bike Ride on Friday 18^th June, in the presence of Widow Twankey, this year’s pantomime Dame. The aim of the scheme is to encourage people to cycle as a way of improving their health and show how they can use the cycle routes of the city to help them cycle safely. It is envisaged that cycling could become an option as part of the wider exercise referral scheme.

People who take part in the scheme will first have their bike checked for safety then their cycle proficiency will be assessed before they join a gentle 45 minute guide cycle ride in the company of other riders.

Myles Harwood of Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) said "Many people that have not ridden a bike for many years have forgotten how quick, easy and enjoyable it is to cycle 4 or 5 miles. Often people are amazed to learn how far they have travelled in such a short time. This project will help build people’s confidence to start cycling in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, hopefully once they have found their cycling legs they will consider using their bike as the preferred option for journeys up to 7 miles instead of the car.

Regular gentle exercise can make a huge difference to a person’s health – reducing blood pressure, managing weight and helping to reduce coronary heart disease and strokes. With the cost of petrol increasing almost daily cycling can also benefit your wealth. Here in Peterborough we are lucky to have an excellent cycle way network and of course the award winning Green Wheel cycle route around the city. Most people living in the city are only a short ride from the Wheel and can take advantage of the flat terrain and dry weather we enjoy."

The first public rides will be during the Peterborough Environment Week 26^th June – 11^th July.

• The VIP Bike Ride will depart from Cathedral Square 10.15 am Friday 18^th June and will utilise the city’s Primary Cycle Network out to Orton Waterville then back along the Green Wheel spoke past the Rowing Lake.
• A photo opportunity will be at the start of the ride at 10.00 – 10.15 am with the Panto Dame – Widow Twankey
• Cycling for Health is a Peterborough Environment City Trust project supported by the Greater Peterborough Primary Care Partnership
• The launch of Cycling for Health is part of the Peterborough National Bike Week celebrations.