KEIGHLEY-district GPs could soon be issuing prescriptions for walking and cycling as part of a multi-million-pound Government pilot scheme.

The Department for Transport has announced Bradford is one of 11 districts nationally that will trial a scheme aimed at improving mental and physical health.

The district will receive £1.3 million through the 'social prescriptions' pilot, which could eventually be rolled out across the country.

In total, £12.7 million is being shared between the selected local authority areas – which also include Leeds.

Bradford's allocation will be spent on adult cycle training, bike loans and a walks programme, all of which will be prescribed to people who GPs feel could benefit from exercise.

The Government hopes the pilot, which will run until 2025, will reduce health disparities across the country.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "The pilots must be delivered alongside improved infrastructure so people feel safe to cycle and walk.

"The aim is to evaluate the impact of cycling and walking on an individual’s health, such as through reduced GP appointments and less reliance on medication due to more physical activity.

"For the first time, transport, active travel and health officials will work together towards a whole systems approach to health improvement and tackling disparities."

The Government's Walking and Cycling Minister, Trudy Harrison, says that as well as improving people's health, the initiative will reduce the strain on the NHS.

She added: "Walking and cycling have so many benefits, from improving air quality to reducing congestion on our busiest streets.

"They also have an enormous positive impact on physical and mental health, which is why we have funded these projects which will get people moving and ease the burden on our NHS."

West Yorkshire's mayor, Tracy Brabin, welcomes the funding which she says will help build on pioneering work already being carried out in the region.

Since 2016, West Yorkshire Combined Authority has been delivering a Cycle for Health scheme in partnership with Cycling UK.

It's designed to tackle health inequalities by offering people with long-term conditions a 12-week programme of cycle training.

Ms Brabin says: "More than 1,000 people across West Yorkshire have already benefitted from our Cycle for Health scheme.

"Participants have reported significant improvements in their mental and physical health.

"This funding for pilot schemes will help us do even more to tackle health inequalities."

For further information about the Cycle for Health scheme, visit cyclecityconnect.co.uk/get-inspired/cycle-for-health.