Doctors prescribe bike lessons

Patients can have cycling lessons

Bristol doctors are prescribing cycling lessons to patients with diabetes and other health problems.

Gentle exercise like riding a bike can help diabetics by regulating levels of sugar in the blood and keep the potentially debilitating condition stable.

And now doctors in the city are encouraging patients with a range of health problems including diabetes to take part in free cycling lessons to help them get fit safely.

The Health on Wheels project has so far helped 40 people who have been referred by their GPs.

Quality of life

The cycling course costs £120 per person, but is paid for by the Department of Health, not the patients themselves.

Project co-ordinator Phillippa Royle said: "We've had patients who have had heart attacks, heart surgery, and it has really improved their quality of life.

"We have also worked with people with mental health as well as physical health issues."

Anneke van Eijkern is one of those taking part in the scheme - she gave up cycling years ago because she did not feel safe in the saddle.

But thanks to the course she is now confident enough to cycle to work - and keep healthy at the same time.

Ms van Eijkern, a diabetic, said: "My consultant recommended that exercise would help to control my condition, because at first my blood-sugar levels were very up and down.

"I am amazed at how much the course has improved my confidence."