Learning from practice

Pedal Back the Years is a groundbreaking project based on a successful pilot in Dorset. It aims to get people physically active in Cornwall.

See October 2006 update

Health Visitors and community workers can refer people for cycle rides on existing trails or in isolated villages.

Not only will Pedal Back the Years improve the physical and mental health of the participants; it also offers employment and new opportunity for local businesses. It will also provide links to 70 existing and proposed regeneration activities.

Lively website gives details of current offer including growing Stroll Back the Years programme: http://www.pedalbacktheyears.info/
Pedal Back the Years shows how creative projects can achieve the "cross-cutting" benefits sought by government:

• Sports policy calls for participation

• Health policy seeks to reduce obesity, heart disease, stroke and diabetes, increase physical activity and improve mental health

• Environment policy calls for sustainability

• Transport policy calls for sustainability

• Transport policy seeks a modal shift from the car to cycling and walking

• Training and employment policy call for routes out of long-term unemployment

• and the aim of Regeneration is to encourage small and medium enterprises.