Cycle for health schemes offer riders a sense of community, confidence and wellbeing as well as providing physical benefits, writes David Bocking
　　It's easy to forget the magic of cycling when you ride a bike every day. But as a cycling trainer in Sheffield for children and adults who want to ride confidently and safely, I'm frequently reminded of the joy it can bring.考试大－全国最大教育类网站(www．Examda。com)
　　"It's like flying, flowing along in the breeze," said one of our trainees recently, after we'd taught her to ride a bike for the first time in her life.
　　Everyone knows cycling is good for the body, but don't forget the mind and spirit too. The guidance from the government's chief medical officer says "Physical activity is effective in the treatment of clinical depression, and can be as successful as psychotherapy or medication, particularly in the long term."
　　It can actually be more successful, say the mental health professionals who work with us, as cycling has almost no negative side effects. And apart from being arguably more fun than psychotherapy, riding a bike happens to help treat many of the conditions that may go along with mental health problems, like high blood pressure and being overweight.采集者退散
　　It's no surprise then that cycle training organisations are setting up "cycle for health" projects around the country, but the genius of the scheme here in Sheffield - started by Steve Marsden, the development officer at CTC - the UK's national cyclists' organisation - is that it's designed to help a diverse variety of people on just one course. We have retired people back on their bikes after a 40-year break, people who have recently moved to the UK, students, people referred to exercise by their doctors, and people with depression and anxiety, along with their occupational therapists: all getting the confidence to start cycling again, together.来源：考试大
　　The results can be inspiring. One of our earliest trainees was anxious, not particularly fit, and hadn't been on a bike after being hit by a van more than 20 years ago. His aim was to build up the courage to start cycling again to his voluntary work near the city centre, a journey he could make along the local canal towpath. "If you're feeling a little low, riding a bike lifts your mood," he said. "You can get out and find all these places on your doorstep you didn't know were there."
　　After a typical morning learning elementary downhill skills in a park - "you need to stick your bums out a bit more," our instructor said to three pensioner sisters picking their way down a root-covered slope - everyone retires to the park ranger's cabin for tea and biscuits and a nice chat about cogs and avoiding trucks.
　　As well as building trainees' confidence, the tea and chat is as important as the cycling for many. It's when people open up, remembering what they felt about riding a bike when they were young. After cycling a couple of miles, you can often see these grown adults glowing - and it's not just because of the exertion from riding up Sheffield's hills.
　　• David Bocking is the development coordinator for Pedal Ready, which is based in Sheffield. It runs courses in partnership with the local council and NHS and social care trusts.