Active for Life scheme gets wheels rolling for new cycling
initiative - 11/12/06
Active for Life, a physical activity scheme primarily supported
by the Big Lottery Fund, has secured funding for a new weekly
cycling exercise programme for people across the Vale of
Glamorgan.
The six-week programme, which will be launched next year, has
been designed for those who would like to improve their medical
condition and/or their general health by increasing activity levels
through cycling.
Securing the maximum £750 Community Chest grant from the Sports
Council for Wales, in conjunction with the Sports, Arts and Play
Development team at the Vale of Glamorgan Council is a great boost
for the Active for Life Scheme.
Karen Davies, the sports, arts and play development manager at
the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “Every quarter we meet to
discuss applications to award funding to those who meet criteria.
In November we were delighted to award a total of nearly £10,000 to
fourteen Vale based organisations. The panel will next meet in
February and would be delighted to hear from others who would like
to apply to increase their physical activity opportunities, just as
Active for Life has done.”
Active for Life’s £750 grant will be used to establish a series
of risk-assessed routes in the Vale. Scheme coordinators envisage
that the first routes to be launched will be ‘traffic free’ and
will start at Barry Waterfont and Penarth Marina. Further suitable
paths will then be assessed at Cowbridge, Llantwit Major and the
rural Vale.
The funding may also contribute towards producing ‘calorie
counted route maps’ for those who don't necessarily want to use the
gym to exercise but want to be aware of the merits that cycling
offers. The money will also cover the cost of 'cycle leaders' to
attend a national standard Coach Education Course so that
instructors can educate cyclists in their group, with a keen focus
on safety at all times.
Jamie Lane, one of the Active for Life scheme's coordinators in
the Vale, said: “We hope that cycling will attract people who would
like to try a different social activity, who appreciate scenery
such as the beautiful Glamorgan Heritage Coastline and ultimately
strive to benefit their health.”
Cycling is a great way to improve fitness levels and help burn
plenty of calories, and will fit perfectly alongside other Active
for Life initiatives including 'The Green Gym' (A Barry community
allotment project) and led walks that are organised locally.
Jamie is keen to highlight the benefits of being active, adding:
“Physical inactivity doubles your risk of developing Coronary Heart
Disease which is the main cause of death in the UK.”
A Chief Medical Officer’s report recommends that we should all
strive to participate in thirty minutes of physical activity at
least five days a week. This may include gardening, attending
sports clubs, leisure centre activities and brisk housework - and
of course cycling!
To find out more about the Active for Life scheme's aims to
reduce the risk of heart disease across the Vale, call 01446 725959
or email ActiveforLife@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
Alternatively, to request a Community Chest application form
contact Julie Morgan on 01446 704754. You can also visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk for
more details about physical activity in the Vale.