Trail riding – health and wellbeing – Trail Riders Fellowship

Trail Riding - Health and Wellbeing

Trail Riding has significant physical and mental health benefits for those who participate in this historic pastime. As the second most vulnerable user group on sealed roads, unsealed roads also offer motorcyclists an environment where road traffic speeds are much lower and road traffic accidents are almost zero.

Physically fit

According to government data physical inactivity is associated with 1-in-6 deaths in the UK and estimated to cost the country £7.4bn per year.

It recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or a combination of both per week to remain healthy.

In a single average trail ride of 360 minutes a rider achieves 118% of the recommendation for moderate exercise AND 78% of the recommended level of vigorous exercise!

Trail Riding is active and sustainable travel.

98% report physical health benefits as a result of Trail Riding

Mentally fit

When it comes to mental health and wellbeing, the data is even more startling, with a report by Mental Health Foundation and the London School of Economics and Political Science putting the cost to the UK economy at £117.9bn annually.

Independent research by both Mental Health Motorcycle and the TRF shows that the NHS ‘Five steps to mental wellbeing’ are all achieved through Trail Riding.

Be physically active
Connect with other people
Learn new skills
Give to others
Pay attention to the moment

Trail Riding is active and sustainable travel.

99% report mental healt benefits as a result of Trail Riding

Exploring the Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Trail Riding Report

Trail Riding is an active recreation that brings significant physical and mental health benefits to its participants. The activity produces results that exceed the NHS’s active lifestyle guidelines and is very much aligned with the principles of Green Social Prescribing bringing meaningful mental and physical health benefits to an at-risk segment of the population.

In this report, through academic studies, through measured case studies and through national surveys, we can reveal the true health and wellbeing benefits of Trail Riding, explaining how this form of active recreation delivers positivity on so many levels.

“In order to engage with the five ways to wellbeing, Mental Health Motorbike actively encourages the bikers we support to join a wide range of motorcycle organisations and activities. “The TRF’s report illustrates one example of how a person can benefit and improve their mental wellbeing through motorbike activities. It is important we use the motorbike as a tool for breaking the stigma around talking about poor mental health and use it to bring people together to do something positive." .

“Our mission is to make sport, recreation and physical activity more accessible to everyone, to foster a healthier, happier, more productive and prosperous society. The physical and mental health benefits of trail riding are clear, helping get more people more active, more often.”

“Trail riding is a vital part of the motorcycling sport and active recreation landscape. It provides important physical and mental health benefits outside of a competitive arena, and needs greater recognition and support.”

“The positive impact motorcycling brings to people’s lives cannot be overstated. Trail and adventure riding is one of the more active forms of motorcycling and benefits not only those that participate, but local communities and economies.”