Cardiff is a city that is understandably close to our hearts, being the place where the Anything for Hire journey begun! This is why we are always thrilled to hear news of the city’s hire industry, eager to keep our ear to the ground and stay abreast the city’s incredible business community and goings on.
Just this week, we learn that Cardiff and Vale’s health board will now permit GPs under them to prescribe free bike hire from nextbike to patients. This will mainly be for individuals that require more exercise in order to lose weight.
Offering 6-month prescriptions, GPs will promote the nextbike business as a whole; a bike rental scheme whereby residents and tourists can rent dockless bikes in and around the city.
Seeming to tick all the boxes for health care providers, Public health consultant, Dr Tom Porter, said it was “one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of ill health while building your cardiovascular fitness”.
The pilot scheme will first be rolled out in two surgeries; Landsdowne Surgery and Fairwater Health Centre. Those who are prescribed will be given a unique code which will provide them with unlimited 30-minute hires completely free of charge.
GP Dr Karen Pardy said: “Whilst we are aware of the many benefits of exercise for our patients, people are sometimes reluctant to engage.
“nextbike on prescription allows people to have a go at cycling around Cardiff and realise how this can help to support their overall wellbeing.”
Cardiff council’s cabinet member for health, Susan Elsmore, said the city was “incredibly fortunate and proud to offer this opportunity”.
According to statistics, regular cycling can cut an individual’s chance of dying from heart disease by a huge 50%. Focusing on these impressive stats, local GPs are understandably excited to see nextbikes being utilised in this way.
As it stands, Cardiff is in possession of 500 bikes that are dotted around 27 different sites. These conduct around 10,000 trips a week, credited for helping Cardiff reduce its carbon footprint and promote healthy modes of transport.
