CONFLICTING opinions have been expressed over doctors being able to prescribe projects like adult cycle training, walking groups and free bike loans.

GPs will soon start prescribing walking and cycling to help improve mental and physical wellbeing and tackle health disparities in some parts of the country.

The Department for Transport announced £12.7m has been given to 11 local authorities to fund pilot social prescriptions as well as projects like adult cycle training, walking groups and free bike loans as part of a trial across England.

GP prescriptions will also include wheeling for wheelchair or mobility scooter users, the department said.

Marc Lohez from BH Active Travel group has conflicting opinions on the new scheme.

He said: "In my view, the 'social prescriptions’ could go one or two ways - while some will embrace it and make positive changes, others may well almost be offended, the knock on may reflect badly in that only people who are unhealthy, poor or mentally unstable either choose to or have to ride a bike for anything other than recreation, teeth gritted and lycra clad.

"The health benefits of even light exercise have been known for years, so if it helps a few more people make the leap then great - but it’s not a ‘fix’ for modal shift and the change in mindset as a country by any means.

"Where will these people walk (or more relevantly cycle), for whatever reason - safely. Even if you’ve been told cycling could save your life for something like mental health or obesity, would you risk that life by switching to cycling to work for example? Currently not sure many would."

Walking and cycling minister Trudy Harrison said the activities have "so many benefits" from improving air quality in our communities to reducing congestion on our busiest streets".

Trudy said: "It also has an enormous positive impact on physical and mental health, which is why we have funded these projects which will get people across the country moving and ease the burden on our NHS".