Don’t pay to park at work - get on your bike
I CAN empathise with the health workers of Stepping Hill (M.E.N., October 5).
Nobody likes paying to park but car parks need maintaining and the hospital trust is naturally reluctant to subsidise their staff at the cost of patient care.
I am a nurse and have worked at various hospitals across Greater Manchester, arriving early to spend a stressful time orbiting the streets to find a free parking place.
Then I discovered the tax-free cycle to work scheme and left the car at home. I have no parking anxieties, am more relaxed, fitter and leaner. Who needs a diet (or gym) when you have a bike?
Stepping Hill could learn from the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Hundreds of MRI staff (including consultants) cycle to work, park their bikes securely and benefit from a free monthly bikers’ breakfast.
These nurses and doctors are helping themselves and serving as excellent role models to their patients and the general public.
Similarly, Stockport Council should follow the example of Manchester in creating more cyclefriendly roads adjacent to its main hospital.
For us it’s a family affair. My wife also cycles to work and our children walk to secondary school. The car became redundant so we sold it. We are all happier, healthier... and better off. Join us. Vincent Walsh, Rusholme