Report: Bradford’s GP-Prescribed Exercise Scheme Faces Resistance

A report indicates that a health initiative, which involves medical professionals prescribing walking and cycling to patients, has encountered opposition. In July 2023, Bradford was designated as one of 11 local authorities to receive funding from the Active Travel Social Prescribing Pilot, with the district allocated £1.34 million. The initiative encourages physicians to recommend exercise to individuals when it is deemed more beneficial than pharmaceutical treatments. Nevertheless, Bradford Council observed that the rate of referrals from General Practitioners was not “as productive as initially assumed.” This government-backed program seeks to decrease the volume of GP appointments, offering prescriptions that include assistance for beginning cycling or improving physical condition with a walk leader. Information regarding the scheme’s advancement was detailed in a report scheduled for presentation to the council’s regeneration and environment scrutiny committee on Tuesday, as reported by the Local Democracy Service. The report indicated that out of 295 participants, merely 19% were referred through traditional support or clinical channels, whereas 23% originated from the voluntary and community sector. Factors contributing to the limited success include insufficient comprehension and adoption of active travel, alongside problems like damaged pathways or anti-social conduct. Conversations are currently in progress to integrate the pilot with an existing local exercise referral program, and an assessment will be conducted to gauge public awareness of local routes and the assistance required to increase physical activity. James Greenwood, the active travel social prescribing manager, stated that since its inception, 100 volunteers and partners have received training, and approximately £120,000 has been allocated to bolster active travel initiatives. Mr. Greenwood also mentioned that over 120 e-bikes were supplied, informed by participant feedback in pilot zones including Barkerend, Bradford Moor, Manningham, Girlington, and Central Keighley. He further commented: “While the first year’s subscription scheme is coming to an end for new referrals, we are busy taking the learning and looking at how we tweak things for a future scheme.”