Pedal power to the people
NHS Lanarkshire are helping to ensure that Wishaw residents can keep getting on their bikes during the pandemic.
There has been a huge increase in the number of people turning to pedal power since Covid-19 restrictions were introduced.
During that time NHS Lanarkshire has partnered with community organisations and local retailers, supporting local access to second-hand bikes, cycle maintenance services, and a free bike loan service for health service staff.
Since the restrictions came in there’s been an increase of 44 per cent of people in Lanarkshire using two wheels to get around.
Due to the increase in demand and cost for bikes, families on lower incomes may have struggled to purchase their own cycles.
In an effort to tackle this issue and help people boost their physical and mental health, NHS Lanarkshire’s Health Improvement Team reviewed various avenues to improve access to bikes for both NHS staff and the wider community.
As well as partnering with local retailers to allow free bike loans for NHS Lanarkshire staff, there was also promotion of Cycling UK’s Bicycle Repair Scheme, to support residents to access free bike maintenance support.
Further efforts included The Bike Amnesty Appeal, which included the rehoming of pre-loved bicycles in collaboration with North Lanarkshire’s Restorative Justice.
The appeal received more than 70 bike donations in total, mainly from NHS Lanarkshire staff, ranging from children’s to adult bicycles.
The Restorative Justice team serviced the bikes ready for their new owners, and supplied them to local residents who wouldn’t otherwise have been able to access a bike.
Paul Wright, Health Improvement Senior – Active Travel, NHS Lanarkshire, said: “We were keen to encourage people to get out on their bikes, but knew that there was a proportion of individuals and families didn’t have the means.
“In an effort to tackle this, we asked our staff if they had the ability to donate any bicycles they may have had spare, and the response was incredible.
“We were delighted to support residents to own their own bike.”
Jim Curtis, Service Manager, Restorative Justice, added: “We have been providing a bicycle rehoming service for some time. The link with NHS Lanarkshire was hugely welcome during a time of unprecedented demand.
“The reaction from people receiving a bike in the lead-up to Christmas is proof of how valuable this service is.”
Further investment from the Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership allowed for helmets, lights and locks to be provided with some of these rehomed bicycles.
Marie McKeown, Partnership Manager, Lanarkshire Green Health Partnership, commented: “We are delighted to support this initiative which supports more people to access the physical and mental health benefits of being active outdoors.”