National Bike Week:NHS Norfolk encourages staff to cycle to work
NHS Norfolk is renewing its commitment to its Cycle To Work scheme, as its staff celebrate national Bike Week 2010.
It has also signed up to Bike4Life, part of the government’s Change4Life initiative, to encourage more employees to cycle to work.
Events at NHS Norfolk to mark the week include:
* Dr Bike visited Broadland Business Park for a ‘Bike Breakfast’ today
* There will be a display on the benefits of cycling for all staff in NHS Norfolk’s reception area to encourage more people to bike to work.
* A safety surgery will be held at Broadland Business Park by Thorpe St Andrew Safer Neighbourhood Team on Friday <25 June> where staff can pop in for security marking of bikes/safety advice and any other cycling-relating queries they may have.
Also:
* On Friday 23 July a Bicycle Bonus Scheme will be launched, which NHS Norfolk cyclists can register for and receive discounts at shops around Norwich.
* NHS Norfolk has its own Bike User Group (BUG) which meets periodically to discuss any issues which cyclists may have. Last year, the BUG put forward some ideas for improvements to the cycle network to Norfolk County Council, and these were accepted.
Pharmacist Cathal Daly, a member of NHS Norfolk’s clinical executive, is championing the cycle to work initiative for NHS Norfolk and has cycled to work for several years.
He currently bikes 4.5 miles to work each day which takes him 20 minutes each way. Once a week he cycles 21 miles to work in North Elmham.
Cathal said: “I think cycling to work is quicker than driving, and I don’t get stuck in traffic. In fact, in the rush hour, cyclists are generally quicker than the traffic they’re keeping up with!
“With a busy family life I don’t have time to go the gym. Cycling to work solves that – it forms my part of the 30 minutes a day, five times a week, exercise we are recommended to take.
“I also find that I come to work ‘on a high’ and I feel I’m more productive at work as a result. The summer is a perfect time for anyone who hasn’t cycled to work before to try it out – and do so in daylight and the warmer weather. It will save you time – and it will definitely save you money. It’s enjoyable as well. You would be surprised how easy it is.”
Pam Mercer, Contracting Support Officer, was one of the first NHS Norfolk staff to take her cycle to Dr Bike for a free “MOT”.
She said: “I live locally, so it is easier to cycle to work, and it frees up car park spaces for those who really need them. I feel that cycling benefits my health and it’s good for the heart.”
Pam, who has been cycling to work for the last 18 months, added: “To have Dr Bike here is fantastic. It’s a wonderful facility for cyclists.”
Our pictures show Pam Mercer, and Sam Belcher repairing cycles for Dr Bike.
Under the Bike4Life scheme, employers sign a guarantee and pledge to implement a series of simple, low-cost measures to make cycling to work easier for those who wish to do so.
As a member of the scheme, NHS Norfolk provides the following five facilities to employees:
Storing: Secure, safe and accessible bike parking facilities for all staff who want them.
Changing: Changing and locker facilities for all staff who want them. NHS Norfolk provides shower facilities and provides lockers to allow cyclists to store their belongings. NHS Norfolk is also looking at the possibility of providing more showers.
Buying: Employees may loan a bike tax free through the NHS Norfolk salary sacrifice then purchase the bike at the end of the loan.
Repairing: Bike repair for cyclists on or near site. Dr Bike visits NHS Norfolk or the Business Park annually.
Inspiring: Training, reward and incentive programmes to achieve targets for more cycling.
NHS Norfolk has two ‘pool’ bikes, which staff are encouraged to use if they need to attend meetings near its Broadland Business Park headquarters. It also has a fold-up bicycle, which is available for staff to borrow.
Jonathan Cook, NHS Norfolk’s Director of Corporate Services, said: “Our Cycle to Work scheme is one of many initiatives that NHS Norfolk offers to work towards a greener environment. We have limited car parking spaces near our headquarters to encourage people to cycle to work.
“We hope our Cycle to Work scheme will encourage others to travel to the office by bicycle in the future.”
Bike Week is organised by the Department of Transport and continues until 27 June 2010. For details visit: www.bikeweek.org.uk
