Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Saddling up for extra cycling in lockdown
With coronavirus restrictions putting a stop to many activities in Monklands during the past year, one trend emerging from lockdown was an increase in cycling –with as local retailers reporting a 60 per cent increase in bike sales.
NHS Lanarkshire set the wheels in motion to enable its staff to enjoy the benefits of cycling through affordable and convenient bicycle hire.
This low-cost hire scheme of a folding bicycle, named Wheels for Heroes, in conjunction with Brompton Bike Hire, Getting Better Together and Sustrans, is open to all staff with the health board – and free for the first three months.
The project was established during the pandemic to keep healthcare workers moving safely, as well as providing opportunities for staff to enjoy cycling and its many health, financial and social benefits.
Peter Buckner, advanced clinical services pharmacist for NHS Lanarkshire, said: “I jumped at the chance to hire a Brompton bicycle when I spotted the opportunity for NHS Lanarkshire staff.
“I’ve used these bikes before and they’re a fun, convenient and deceptively quick way to get around and commute to work, where I can store the bike and access shower facilities.
“With lockdown easing, longer days and better weather approaching, I’m looking forward to enjoying more cycling, getting fitter and avoiding a few traffic jams.”
Georgie Stuart, the health board’s project officer for Active Travel, added: “We’re delighted to be the first health board in Scotland to offer such an amazing scheme, in conjunction with our partners.
“Demand for bikes has dramatically overtaken supply during the Covid pandemic, and this encouraged us to provide more opportunities for low-cost bike hires.
“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.”
Julian Scriven, managing director for Brompton Bike Hire, said: “We’re delighted to partner with NHS Lanarkshire to bring these bikes to key workers in Scotland for the first time.
“Our aim is to continue to support healthcare workers with bicycles to travel in a safe, healthy way, and having previously rolled out this scheme with NHS England, we’re overwhelmed by the positive reaction from NHS staff.
“I’d like to once again recognise the individual donors and organisations such as British Cycling as well as the team in the Brompton factory who have collectively made this initiative possible.”