A local GP is urging more people in the Vale of York to cycle to work and enjoy healthier lives in the process.

Undertaking regular cycling and other forms of cardiovascular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing many health conditions, including heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Dan Cottingham, a GP at Sherburn Practice and the NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) Cancer Lead, is therefore encouraging more people to leave their car at home and cycle to work instead.

Dan has signed up for this year’s Ride to Work Week (12-18 March) and is encouraging other Vale of York residents to do the same to reap the health benefits of doing so.

Ride to Work Week also encourages more people to adopt a cycling commute to reduce congestion and pollution in their communities.

He said: “I think Ride To Work Week is great thing for us in a cycling friendly city to get involved with. I have cycled to work since I started my job in York in 2016 and have to say I really enjoy it and I find that I can get to work faster by cycling than I can driving on most days.”

York is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in England, with an extensive network of cycling paths and lanes in and around the city. A significant proportion of the CCG’s employees cycle to work every day and some have joined Dan in signing up for Ride to Work Week.

Dan added: “A lot of staff at the CCG cycle to work as it’s the most convenient method of travelling to our offices in the city centre and also because of the obvious health benefits of engaging in cardiovascular exercise twice a day.

“Many of my colleagues at the CCG have jumped at the chance to sign up for this year’s Ride To Work initiative and I urge others working in York to do the same. Aside from the obvious health and environmental benefits, you can also win some amazing prizes.”

For more information about Ride To Work Week, visit: www.ridetoworkweek.co.uk

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