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http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2014/03/26/prescribe-bike-bmc-boston-hubway/

Doctors in Boston are alreadyprescribing “outdoor time” for kids, and starting Wednesday, physicians at Boston Medical Center 
will be prescribing Hubway bikes as a means of transportation.
On Wednesday, the City of Boston 
and the Boston Medical Center (BMC) announced the launch of 
“Prescribe-a-Bike,” a new partnership to increase access to affordable 
transportation for low-income Boston residents, and improve health at 
the same time. “There is no other program like this in the 
country,” says Mayor Marty Walsh. “Prescribe-a-Bike makes the link 
between health and transportation, and ensures that more residents can 
access the Hubway bike share system.”
Nicole Freedman, director of bicycle programs for the City of Boston, says that they hope to enroll 1,000 low-income residents in the 
subsidized Hubway membership program this year. She also says that other hospitals are interested in joining the program as well. “We have already received some calls from other hospitals and health 
clinics who are interested,” Freedman says. “It’s a new way to reach out and promote health.”
The bike program is for all Boston residents , and the new program is a way for the Hubway to expand its “family.” Freedman says that 13 of 
the city’s 90 stations are in “low income” neighborhoods. “What we know 
is that there’s been an incredible uptick in our subsidized membership 
program,” she says.
Prescribe-a-Bike allows BMC medical professionals to write prescriptions for Hubway memberships. Patients 
pay only $5 for an annual membership, which entitles them to an 
unlimited number of trips on Hubway bikes, as long as the bikes are used for 30 minutes or less at a time. Subsidized members also receive a 
free helmet.
“Obesity is a significant and growing health concern for our city, 
particularly among low-income Boston residents,” said BMC President and 
CEO Kate Walsh in a statement. “Statistics show that close to one in 
four low-income Boston residents is obese, almost double the rate for 
higher-income residents. 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.”
To qualify for the subsidized Hubway memberships, participants must 
be Boston residents age 16 or older, and must either be receiving some 
form of public assistance, or have a household income of no more than 
400 percent of the poverty level.
Interested residents can get a subsidized coupon by reaching out 
to their BMC medical professional or calling Boston Bikes at 
617-918-4456.
Source URL: http://www.bostonmagazine.com/health/blog/2014/03/26/prescribe-bike-bmc-boston-hubway/
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