Health board encourages staff to cycle to work

NHS SHETLAND has installed new storage for bicycles and upgraded its shower facilities after being awarded £15,000 to support its staff in cycling to work.

A promotion day will also be held on Friday (6 April) where staff will be encouraged to seek sponsorship to cycle to work, while stationary bikes will be available for workers to use during breaks.

The funding has come from Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Friendly Employer Grant, which gives money to employers who are registered with and working towards the Cycle Friendly Employer Award.

The award is run by Cycling Scotland and administered locally through the Shetland Community Bike Project.

NHS Shetland held a travel survey in 2016 and the results informed the funding application.

Health improvement team leader Elsbeth Clark said: “The funding, which was received from Cycling Scotland, has enabled us to install cycle storage and to upgrade a shower facility, both of which were key concerns of staff in the travel survey.

“Although the fund is targeted at cycling to work it will also benefit those who wish to walk. We are keen to promote the Cycle Friendly Award to all employers in Shetland who may be looking at ways to support and encourage their staff to cycle to work.

“Caroline Adamson at the Shetland Community Bike Project and Caroline Hammond from Cycling Scotland were both extremely helpful. I would encourage anyone interested to contact the Shetland Community Bike Project in the first instance.”

ZetTrans transport policy and projects officer Peter Mogridge said the key to “supporting healthier and greener travel choices is to change behaviour”.

“Having the right measures in place to help folk cycle as part of their normal daily routine is an excellent way to achieve this,” he added.