About Video
Uploaded on 17 October , 2009
Length : 27:32
Category: Documentaries.
A major study of more than 10,000 people found those who cycle at least 20 miles a week are half as likely to have heart problems as those who don’t cycle at all.
Some research suggests we should be burning up at least 2,000 calories a week through exercise, actually far more than used by the recommended 30 minutes of moderately intensive exercise five times a week. Cycling burns about 300 calories an hour, so if you do it twice a day, the numbers soon add up.
So, cycling is good for your heart and combats obesity. This means if more people took up cycling, the NHS would be treating less people for heart and obesity related problems. The money saved by the healthcare sector could be utilised elsewhere.
In this programme we speak to the leading advocates for cycling in the UK as a means to get us and the environment healthier.
We hear from Boris Johnson, Mayor of London who is investing 100-million pounds into a new initiative to get more people cycling- either for pleasure or for commuting- in London. The plans are part of Mayor Boris Johnson’s new cycling strategy aimed at improving health and protecting the Capital’s environment.
From the commercial world of cycling we speak to industry leaders – Trek, Specialized UK, Bohle and Zyro – who highlight the health benefits of cycling and why cycling can also help reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
Tam Fry of the National Obesity Forum tells us why cycling should be prescribed by doctors to help combat obesity.
We hear the views of Mark Bickerton of the Bicycle Association of Great Britain and Phillip Darnton of Cycling England. We also look at the government’s ‘Cycle to Work’ scheme which is encouraging commuters to ride to work, helping both their health and their bank balances. The project provides a subsidy via the employees’ companies and bicycle shops are also feeling the benefit.
