NHS Lanarkshire has set the wheels in motion to enable its staff to enjoy the benefits of cycling through free bicycle hire.
This low-cost hire scheme of a folding bicycle, in conjunction with Brompton Bike Hire, Getting Better Together (GBT) and Sustrans, is open to all NHS Lanarkshire staff for three months.
Craig Bridges, strategic lead – Get Active Get Going Programme, Getting Better Together Ltd, said: “The uptake of folding bikes loans by NHS staff has been brilliant. The bikes provided by Brompton Bike Hire have been great for supporting active travel and increased physical activity and because of the success of the scheme we now have 10 new folding e-bikes for staff to add to the loan scheme for free on a 3-month basis.
“We have a large fleet of 18 e-bikes and 50 Brompton’s available for loan so we hope people will take up on this fabulous scheme especially, moving into the sunnier and brighter weather.”
Mary Jinks, nurse adviser – Quit Your Way, NHS Lanarkshire and GBT volunteer, added: “I’ve always enjoyed cycling and I also volunteer for GBT delivering meals to local people via bike as well as free period product to those requesting it in the area.
“I’ve been fortunate to have access to a bike, but with the scheme, I loaned one of the e-bikes which I hadn’t tried before, it was hassle free, straight forward. The staff at GBT also provide any information or advice regarding the bikes or cycling.
“I use the e-bike for mostly exercise, leisure and cycles to the park with my daughters. I am also now trying to incorporate it into my daily life for shorter trips that don’t really need to be done in the car.
“Cycling provides me with a great sense of freedom and fun, I would encourage others to use the scheme as cycling is great for our health and the health of the planet.”
Andrew Fleming, active outdoors and partnership manager, Health Improvement, NHS Lanarkshire commented: “We’re delighted to offer such an amazing scheme, in conjunction with our partners.
“Cycling has dramatically increased since the Covid pandemic, and this encouraged us to provide more opportunities for bike hires for staff, who may want to give cycling a try!
By providing top-quality folding bikes, painted in the classic NHS colours, we can keep healthcare workers moving safely, improving their own health and wellbeing, and in style!”
