Suffolk County Council has received more than £1 million from the government to fund participation in a national pilot scheme to promote cycling and walking as part of a more active lifestyle.

The county is receiving £1,495,506 over three years as one of 11 local authorities taking part in the £13.9 million Active Travel England social prescribing scheme.

The project, launched in August 2022, is helping councils run trials to evaluate the impact of active travel on an individual's physical and mental health, such as through reduced demand for healthcare appointments and reliance on medication due to more physical activity.

This also includes allowing doctors and health workers to prescribe walking and cycling to improve patients' physical and mental health.

As the scheme progresses, GP surgeries in the pilot areas of Ipswich and Lowestoft will be invited to take part. 

Work is already underway with Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board and Suffolk Information Partnership to link some referral systems.

Suffolk will use its funding for projects that will see patients in parts of Ipswich and Lowestoft offered free access to guided walks, cycle training and bike loans.

Introductory walk and cycle groups are taking place now on Friday mornings in Ipswich at Murray Park and Holywells Park. In Lowestoft they are operating from Normanston Park.

These will be available through July and August, with participants offered 1-1 journey planning, 1-1 buddy walking, or cycling and bike maintenance training.

From September, walking and cycling groups will take place across Ipswich at Whitton, Chantry, Gainsborough, Wherstead and Central Ipswich.

In Lowestoft they will be taking place at the Seafront, Normanston Park, Nicholas Everett Park and Sparrows Nest. Other venues will develop as the pilot progresses. 

There will be varying levels of activity depending on health needs, with each activity lasting up to 90 minutes with a rest break and free drink in a local café.

There will be plenty of rest stops based on the needs of the participants. Equipment can be provided to include walking aids, bicycles or e-bikes. 

All activities are led by experienced and qualified cycle and walk leaders. 

Later in the year other activities are planned in the form of community events, themed walks or cycle rides, cycling courses and a digital walking app featuring challenges and treasure hunts focused on the areas of Ipswich and Lowestoft.

Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Suffolk County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, said:

"This is an innovative trial scheme and one we are looking forward to exploring the potential of now that we have received funding.

"The benefits of good health and well-being are already well-known. Helping people to achieve it through walking and cycling is not only good news for them but also for the wider community thanks to less road traffic and cleaner air."

Active Travel Commissioner Chris Boardman said:

"Many studies have shown active travel has massive health benefits. Enabling everyone in England to travel under their own steam will help reduce conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, whilst at the same time improving mental wellbeing.

 "We aim to use these trials to build on the existing evidence to show how bringing transport, active travel and health together can help build a healthier nation in an easy and sustainable way."

Participants within the target areas can be referred through a GP or voluntary group or a self-referral by contacting [email protected] or calling 01473 260060.

For more details about the scheme go the Way To Go Suffolk website.

Suffolk County Council has also received £545,528 over three years from the Government's Capability Fund to develop and invest in cycling initiatives.