A pilot program has confirmed the benefits of regular mountain biking when used as part of a therapeutic recovery programme for people experiencing mental ill health. It is already known that exercising is beneficial for mental health, with a 2018 study of 1.2 million Americans finding that cycling was second among sports for reducing periods of mental ill health. The Scottish program was organized by the government-funded Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) project, based at the mountain biking center at Glentress near Peebles in the Scottish Borders. NHS Scotland wanted to provide a therapeutic approach within a non-clinical environment to promote the use of self-management skills for those suffering from mental ill health. Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland is a partnership between Scottish Cycling, Cycling Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Cycling UK, EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, IMBA UK, Scottish Enterprise, sportscotland, Visit Scotland and a representative from The Highland Council, acting as a local government advisor.

Source: Forbes January 22, 2019 10:07 UTC