A government scheme offering cyclists in Hitchin £50 bike repair vouchers has been launched in a £2bn bid to battle the growing problem of obesity across the UK.

The project is intended to boost health and fitness through financial incentives aimed at getting people on a bike.

Online vouchers totalling 50,000 in number have been handed out on a first come first served basis this week, with PM Boris Johnson also revealing he will make bikes available on the NHS as part of a programme to aid exercise.

The well-known Hitchin cycling shop Paul's Bikes broadly welcomed the initiative.

Hitchin Nub News asked expert owner Paul Bullen his views. "We've received a number of inquries about the repair scheme," he said, adding: "We've had a steady stream of people asking about it over the last few weeks before it went live on Tuesday.

"We're busy anyway - as more people have taken to cycling during lockdown - so as a business it makes sense for us to be on board.

"I would think that anything which encourages people to get fit by riding bikes is a good thing. But becoming a regular cyclist involves a lifestyle change and I just wonder how many people would commit to that in the long run."

Johnson's brainchild will also see GPs able to prescribe cycling to patients - with a stock of bikes being made available to lend to people at doctors surgeries.

Those who borrow a bike will also be given access to cycling groups – with all Britons offered free cycling lessons if they need a refresher course in how to ride a two wheeler on public roads.

While the scheme is well-intended in terms of targeting the public to leave their cars at home and take more exercise, Paul did have reservations.

"In terms of borrowing bikes from doctors surgeries, I just wonder where they will be getting the extra bikes from and what condition they will be in," he said.

"I just hope the government have thought it through properly – and let's hope that the website doesn't crash through extra demand," he said before, adding: "If you're overweight when you start riding you have to be careful, as I know that when I ride, cycling makes me hungry."

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