GPs to prescribe free bike hire to patients

GPs in Cardiff can now prescribe six month bike hire memberships in a bid to boost health.

The pilot which is led by Cardiff and Vale UHB, is the first of its kind in the UK and will start with three GP practices.

Doctors at Lansdowne Surgery and Fairwater Health Centre will be able to prescribe nextbike memberships to patients who they think will benefit from cycling.

• First wave of nextbikes arrive in Cardiff in bid to reduce congestion

Doctors say regular cycling could cut the risk of death from heart disease by half and those backing the scheme say they're excited about the the pilot's potential to save lives.

Patients involved in the pilot will be given a unique access code which will entitle them to unlimited free 30 minute hire sessions for six months.