Walking, wheeling and cycling to improve mental and physical health and reduce disparities across the country is to be offered by GPs as part of a new trial across 11 authority areas.

Active Partnerships across the country are supporting the eleven local authority areas in England to benefit from £12.7 million in multi-year funding.

The pilots, part of the government’s Gear Change plan published in 2020, aim to evaluate the impact of physical activity through cycling and walking on a person’s health, such as reduced GP appointments and reliance on medication.

The funding will go towards several pilot projects including adult cycle training, free bike loans and walking groups. Other schemes include all-ability cycling taster days where people who may not have cycled before can try to in a friendly environment or walking and cycling mental health groups where people can connect with their communities as they get active.

The pilots will be delivered alongside improved infrastructure so people feel safe to cycle and walk.