When he’s not busy in the operating theatre and keeping other people healthy, Sheffield’s cycling surgeon is getting his own health kick and avoiding the traffic jams, having been cycling to work for the last 35 years!

Now Dr Julian Roberts, paediatric surgeon at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, is pledging his support for The People’s Movement, the physical activity campaign for the city, and wants to encourage everyone to saddle up and enjoy the benefits of bike riding.

Dr Roberts, 49, of Fulwood, said: “I’ve been cycling on a daily basis since I was 11 and still at school. Although I do own a car, I can’t stand sitting in traffic jams. Cycling is a great way for me to keep fit and healthy, and I find it a lot more interesting than staring at a wall in a gym.

“The People’s Movement is an excellent campaign, as it encourages people to look at increasing their activity levels by making small changes. Making any journey on a bike, even once a week, is a great way to make a healthy difference to your life.”

The People’s Movement, Sheffield’s physical activity campaign, aims to get more people active within the city, more often. The website, www.thepeoplesmovement.co.uk, provides a range of information and activities happening around the region.

Paul Billington, spokesperson for The People’s movement, said: “Julian is setting a great example for people who are looking for a more sustainable, healthier way of making the daily commute. Sheffield Children’s Hospital should also be commended for encouraging their employees to cycle, and providing facilities, such as bike racks, showers and changing rooms, to make it easier and more accessible for staff to do so.

“Our campaign website, www.thepeoplesmovement.co.uk, has plenty of information about how and where people can get out on their bikes, and enjoy the beautiful scenery in and around the city. With the Peak District, numerous parks and woodlands, and a comprehensive network of cycle lanes in and around the city, there has never a better time to hop on the bike and ride, whether for pleasure, or as part of a daily commute.”

Cycling is a great form of exercise and can help as part of an active lifestyle. It has many health benefits, and can help to: give you more energy, decrease your risk of developing colon cancer or coronary heart disease by 50%, may help you to sleep better at night, improve your stamina, mobility and flexibility, help you to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, and help with anxiety and depression.

Health professionals recommend that people should aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least 5 days a week, which can be broken down into smaller, ten-minute periods. Building cycling in to a daily routine, for example, riding to the train station on your daily commute, can help contribute to this target.