The county is one of just 11 areas in England to take part in the £12.7 million scheme announced by the government.
The pilots, part of the government’s Gear Change plan published in 2020, aim to evaluate the impact of physical activity through cycling and walking on a person’s health, such as reduced GP appointments and reliance on medication.
The scheme in Suffolk will receive £1.5 million and will focus on Ipswich and Lowestoft.
The funding will go towards several pilot projects including adult cycle training, free bike loans and walking groups.
Other schemes include all-ability cycling taster days where people who may not have cycled before can try to in a friendly environment, or walking and cycling mental health groups where people can connect with their communities as they get active.
Individuals assessed as being suitable to take part in the scheme will be provided with:
- A bicycle/e-bike or e-cargo bike to be used as a mobility aid (with safety equipment, adaptive cycles/trailers, and secure storage),
- 1-1 support with learn to ride/cycle confidence/Bikeability training,
- Basic bike maintenance
- Journey planning using the local cycle network
- ‘Buddy riding’ to destinations such as workplaces, schools, or shops to build confidence for everyday journeys.
Stakeholders led by the Public Health and Transport Strategy teams at Suffolk County Council include the primary care networks, Healthwatch Suffolk, Community Action Suffolk, Active Suffolk, and the University of Suffolk Integrated Care Academy.
The county’s former NHS clinical commissioning groups - now Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System and Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System – are also stakeholders.
Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Suffolk County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, said:
