Surge in numbers of Fifers cycling during lockdown

Fifers have been urged to keep up their lockdown habits to boost their mental health.

With pandemic restrictions in full effect, more people went out walking and cycling than ever - and now there is a new appeal o keep going as we return to normality.

It comes as part of the Clear Your Head campaign which launched today to help people look after their mental health.

Research shows seven in ten people in Scotland - some 71 per cent - are worried about the coronavirus situation, the highest level seen since mid-June’s 59 per cent).

The latest phase of the Scottish Government campaign is encouraging people to keep up any new habits they may have started during the pandemic.

Cycling Scotland tracked a huge rise of people getting on their bikes in Fife - 215 per cent up in Dunfermline in March, and 130 per cent in Kirkcaldy in April as people adapted to life in lockdown.

A YouGov survey in April found that 61 per cent of Scots said they were walking more than they did before the restrictions- and that trend continued into June.

Clare Haughey, Minister for Mental Health, said: “Life may be moving more as restrictions ease, but this can bring new challenges as people juggle work, family and other commitments.

Young Fifers bear brunt of job losses as COVID hits hospitality and...

“We are living in uncertain times and feelings of stress and worry are understandable as things continue to change, but there are practical things you can do to help you cope.

“Getting outside and keeping up active habits adopted during the pandemic, even for a short period of time, will help you feel better and more in control”

She added: “It’s so important to be kind to yourself, and remember that help and support is available if you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling.”

For practical tips on keeping up good habits, visit

Clearyourhead.scot

https://www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk/

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspapers - the Fife Free Press, Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen and East Fife Mail.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press