Cycling To Help Government Achieve Health Targets
British Cycling's Chief Executive, Ian Drake and local cyclists yesterday joined health secretary Andy Burnham at Willesden Sports Centre as the government promoted its Change4Life public health drive.
Andy Burnham, front left, is joind by, amongst others, BC Chief Executive Ian Drake, second from right, front row
Change4Life is being used to promote a number of health drives, which are likely to include mass-participation cycling events based on British Cycling and Sky's Skyride events.
Speaking at the Sports Centre, where he was given cycling tips by British Cycling's Andy Cook, Mr Burnham said: "Promoting active lifestyles is the simple answer to many of the big challenges facing our country today."
He went on to add, "We are a sport-loving nation but we are simply nowhere near as active as we should be. Just as five years ago, we set ourselves the target of coming fourth in the 2012 Olympic medal table, now I want us to aspire to fourth place in the physical activity league over the next 10 years."
The government recommends an hour of exercise every day for children and half an hour five times a week for adults. However, only a third of the population is achieving these targets. Regular exercise halves your chances of having a range of life-threatening conditions.
Skyride: find out more about all the Skyride events and Skyride Local
- The Mayor of London's Skyride - 20th September
- Skyride Leicester - 30 August
- Skyride Glasgow - 23 August
Andy Burnham, left, receives some cycling tips from BC's Andy Cook
