New program will allow Boston Medical Center doctors to ‘prescribe’ bike-sharing program
The City of Boston has announced a program to subsidize bike-sharing memberships for low-income residents, in partnership with Boston Medical Center.
The program, “Prescribe-a-Bike,’’ would allow doctors at Boston Medical Center to prescribe low-income patients with a year-long membership to Hubway, a bike-share program, for only $5. Participants would be allowed unlimited number of trips on the bicycles, provided they use them for 30 minutes or less at a time. They will also be given a free helmet, a statement from the mayor’s office said.
“Obesity is a significant and growing health concern for our city, particularly among low-income Boston residents,’’ said Kate Walsh, chief executive of Boston Medical Center, in a statement. “Regular exercise is key to combating this trend, and Prescribe-a-Bike is one important way our caregivers can help patients get the exercise they need to be healthy.’’
Statistics show that one in four low-income residents in Boston is obese, almost twice the rate of higher-income residents, the statement said.
To qualify for the prescription, participants must be 16 years or older and be enrolled in some form of public assistance, or have a household income of no more than 4 times the poverty level, the statement said.
Nearly 900 Boston residents are enrolled in an already-existing subsidized Hubway membership. Officials are hoping the new program enrolls another 1,000 residents.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com