Unemployment - Transport - Cycling

[presta]

I've cycled in the hail, blizzards, pxxx ing rain you name and its horrible.

I've cycled in all weathers and not particularly bothered, but it was voluntarily and not for commuting, which makes a difference.

 

[mjr]

And Novo Nordisk are prioritising the 'pens' for the weight loss drug rather than insulin, by restricting use in some countries

This has been happening even without the UK government promoting it, but it seems it's really been happening: https://prospect.org/health/2024-03-14-novo-nordisk-discontinues-insulin-levemir/

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I see anti-obesity drugs are to be prescribed to those out of work

Will it help if someone is unemployed and not obese. The majority I would think. What are the numbers?

 

[HLaB]

The tax payer paid for this give-a-way and they'll just be sold on.

That's what I said to him. There's a great deal of evidence about the positives but what is to stop them being sold on? Strangely enough they didn't mention that!

 

[raleighnut]

As someone who was very obese, i would not even be remotely tempted by the offer of some sort of drug. No judgement on anybody else who might want it but for me, your life needs reworking from top to bottom to really beat obesity in a modern western society and not some quick fix jab that you will have to keep having... This situation is caused by a variety of reasons. We could talk endlessly about laziness or whatever but the fact is, society is changed. The access to easy food is among us. Coupled with a flexible work schedule and often many hours and it is all too easy to pick up the phone, or click an app and have stuff delivered. Most not good foods. Food delivery services are booming and in my opinion, is not good at all... With so many around it, all fighting for your business with psychologically studied and targeted ads designed to get you buying, it is a totally uphill battle for anybody with a food addiction...

As someone who has been on both sides of the fence, As always, The Government seem to be targeting the "users" and not the "pushers" and this is not the route to any sort of meaningful change for the better and is more likely a scheme to make it seem like they're doing something hard line on the matter when in reality it will do nothing...

Happy to revisit this in years to come to see how it works out.

Yep I lost over 20kg by a combination of Intermittent Fasting and Portion Control as a side effect I was Type 2 diabetic and am not anymore

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

The tax payer paid for this give-a-way and they'll just be sold on.

Those who hold socialistic beliefs are quite happy to take your money to satisfy their own doctrines.

The taxpayer doesn't pay for anything. That's not how the economy works.
In the OP I asked that we keep the politics out of this thread and stick to discussing the practicalities and feasibility.

I think it is hard going in the winter commuting in the very bad weather.

I think this is going to vary hugely - both individually and to a lesser degree geographically.

I've ridden daily in all weathers - a good number of those car free. I didn't really find the weather to be a barrier. The only day I had a truly miserable commute was my last day in a job during which someone stole my Gore-wear cycling jacket - I was wet and frozen by the time I'd ridden the 18 miles home. That occasion aside, I genuinely learned to enjoy a bit of weather.

I must admit, now I'm only getting out a few times a week, a particularly cold or cold and wet day comes as a bit of shock. But as a seasoned regular rider, I think for many it is a different experience.

For short distances (<5 miles) at a steady pace, a pair of waterproof over trousers, an effective jacket, footwear, gloves and headwear are needed to keep warm and relatively dry. And I don't mean fancy bike specific clothing either.

In respect to the bikes being sold on - the suggestion was for provision or loan of a bike in conjunction with accepting a job offer. It's possible that the cycling equipment could be leased in a similar vein to cyclescheme? I was maybe even thinking that the bikes could be commissioned - sturdy/reliable and distinguishable as to discourage theft / selling on.

I'd concede other changes are needed for a scheme like this to be effective. Particularly addressing the falling standards of driving cyclists are subjected to.

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

Will it help if someone is unemployed and not obese. The majority I would think. What are the numbers?

Fair point. The population as a whole, by gender and age range is clinically overweight with the exception of, IRC, 19-24 year old men.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I see anti-obesity drugs are to be prescribed to those out of work, in order to encourage them into work - on a trial basis.
I also think that transport can be a real problem, when it comes to taking on potential work.

There are many unemployed skinny folks, also plenty of employed obese folks.
Is being overweight now a major (major enough to warrant government intervention) cause of unemployment? Are there statistics?
Sorry, I find the correlation a bit up in the air, where did you read this info?

Sharing for comment on the feasibility/practicality

Well, if one is obese (presumed unfit I guess, because one could be obese but bike fit) getting on a bike as your main means of transport to get to work would feel an unobtainable goal, imo.

Do we? Really? Where? Does it work? I could do with some good news stories because all this "inject the unemployed" stuff is giving me some very dark vibes, from Logan's Run to Mengele.

Yes, NHS Scotland partners up with community gardening projects in order to offer patients the benefits of outdoor activities that can improve mental health and wellbeing.
Those projects are paid a fee per client, there are a couple near me.
I don't know the results.
I am not aware of any cycling hubs that have partnered with the local health authority, but there could be.

You also wont get more people cycling, Its hard going and there's problems everywhere with ignorant drivers and with the cycle lanes being blocked etc. People not used to all this just wont be able to cope with it.

I agree with this.
When I decided to try cycle commuting because of shift work and non existent public transport, I was terrified at first.
Then I went on a few cycle training courses, got some mechanical knowledge, found out what to wear, etc.
I was determined to succeed.
Not everybody is determined, I can totally understand those who wouldn't entertain cycling to work day in, day out.
I think cycle commuting could be offered as an alternative transport to those who want to try it.
Marketing cycling to work as a reason to accept a job is not feasible imo.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Fair point. The population as a whole, by gender and age range is clinically overweight with the exception of, IRC, 19-24 year old men.

I thought it was only something like 20% obese?

 

[newts]

A few months ago the suggestion of compulsory national service was was decried by the same person who is now fat shaming the unemployed,
somewhat double standards🙄

 

[PedallingNowhereSlowly]

There are many unemployed skinny folks, also plenty of employed obese folks.
Is being overweight now a major (major enough to warrant government intervention) cause of unemployment? Are there statistics?
Sorry, I find the correlation a bit up in the air, where did you read this info?

I'm not drawing any correlation between employment, unemployment and obesity. That's HM Government. I've deliberately not commented on that scheme. The only bearing it has on this discussion is that stimulated my thinking around work and transport poverty. That said, the second sentence in the OP starts 'I also think' which infers my thinking is the same as HM Government. It isn't. I should have been more careful with my use of language there.

My observation is that, both in terms of active/healthy lifestyles and finding work, opportunity is a big factor. Not drawing correlation between the two. My concern really is transport poverty and the effect that has on peoples lives and potential livelihoods. Not obesity.

Well, if one is obese (presumed unfit I guess, because one could be obese but bike fit) getting on a bike as your main means of transport to get to work would feel an unobtainable goal, imo.

I think there are plenty of people who are overweight who could ride a few miles each day - but I don't think a persons weight has any bearing on whether or not they should be eligible to participate in any scheme that's there to help people escape transport poverty and reach places of work.

I guess my thinking is that it would be nice if it was a supported option for those who were willing?

For a bit more context, cycling opened up my world before I was a teenager and if it wasn't for that, I probably wouldn't live anything like the full life I lead today.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

My concern really is transport poverty and the effect that has on peoples lives and potential livelihoods.

Imo, in Scotland, a bike would not be the answer, due to the climate.
Especially for us females: those required to wear business attire and makeup would find it particularly difficult.
Some professional women I know do cycle commute, but by large it's the guys, easier for them, a quick shower, change and go on duty.
There is also the problem of the school run, the top up shopping after work, etc.
I think transport poverty would be better addressed by improving public transport and by making it cheaper.
Here in Scotland the under 23's and the over 60's get free public transport.
For the ones in between it costs a fortune (around 70 to 90 pounds a months), on top of that the busses don't come.

 

[Kingfisher101]

I do a lot of grocery shopping by bike and this is also something I wouldn't recommend either. Its very hard carrying £40+ worth of groceries in 2 panniers up big hills etc. Not many bikes are left outside supermarkets where I am, that's for sure. I think if you had kids and were working full time and commuting and shopping by bike you would be heading for a breakdown.
No workplace I've ever worked has had staff showers. Only a basin in the disabled toilet and that's it.

 

[mjr]

Yep I lost over 20kg by a combination of Intermittent Fasting and Portion Control as a side effect I was Type 2 diabetic and am not anymore

Why did you? Could it convince others to?

 

[raleighnut]

Why did you? Could it convince others to?

I didn't enjoy taking the tablets my Doctor prescribed so did a bit of 'on-line' research and found out about 'metabolic syndrome'
Obesity, High Blood Pressure and Type 2 Diabetes go hand in hand so I decided to do something about it and dropped from over a 100kg to 78kg and as a result I am now medication free. It wasn't a rapid weight loss like fad dieting as I still enjoy good food (Cooked myself) but I do tend to use Butter and Olive Oil quite a lot but I was still eating like I did when I worked and Cycled 200 miles a week so just cutting down was the answer.
Could it convince other to, probably not as generally they live sedentary lives and eat food laden with Fat, Sugar and Preservatives (cos it's cheap and easy)