Two men have been presented with new pedal bikes as part of an initiative to raise awareness about mental health issues in Bermuda.

The donation to George Gilbert and Tony Smith was made on Thursday and is designed to help them deal with their own mental illnesses.

The project was spearheaded by GET Security’s Kevin and Terry-Ann Smith as well as Bermudian cyclist and entrepreneur, Karl Outerbridge.

They approached the Progressive Labour Party in a bid to promote understanding in the community of how individuals deal with mental illness.

The Smiths then bought the new bicycles from Social Cycles and the bikes were presented to Mr Gilbert and Mr Smith yesterday.

PLP MP Dennis Lister, who helped arranges the presentation, said: “Mental illness is a disease that affects all of us in Bermuda, not just those that suffer with it directly.

“It is a hidden disease that no one wants to speak about but now is the time to bring it to the front.

“We are here to raise awareness of mental health, so that people can know what it is and how to assist those that suffer with it.

“These gentlemen suffer differently from their illnesses but they have one thing in common and that is cycling.

“It was interesting to find out that cycle riding was not only therapeutic but also lessened their reliance on some prescription medication.

“The freedom of being able to get out on their bikes and take their minds off of what is bothering them helps healthwise and financially.

“On behalf of the PLP, I would like to thank Kevin Smith and Terry-Ann Smith of GET, and Social Cycles for their part in assisting to raise awareness of the issue of mental health Bermuda.”