Beth Williamson from the fantastic NBT TravelSmart team has written this piece for the VDM
There’s been a change across the city: traffic jams are a thing of the past, air quality has significantly improved and people are being urged to exercise daily to stay fit and healthy.
For many people, walking and cycling have become the first choice mode for getting from A to B; achieving their recommended daily exercise whilst being able to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
As COVID-19 has forced us to reassess the ways in which we choose to travel for our essential journeys, Bristol’s cycling community is supporting key workers who are opting to enjoy the benefits of cycling to work:
Picture 1: Photograph taken by Karen Evely - submitted as part of our Sustainable Travel Photography competition 2018
From purchasing a bike…
Bristol City Council are offering free loan bikes to key workers via the Better By Bike loan scheme. https://betterbybike.info/start-cycling/get-a-bike/loanbikes
Wheels to Work West Bristol are offering key workers a £100 discount off a refurbished bike through the Bristol Bike Project and Life Cycle UK. https://travelwest.info/wheels-to-work-west/bristol
The Cyclescheme (salary sacrifice payment scheme with savings up to 39% on a brand new bike and accessories). https://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/
NBT Loan Bike scheme, ‘try-before-you-buy’ (currently prioritising those whose commute has been impacted by COVID-19)
To giving your bike some TLC…
Sully Cycles are offering all key workers a free bike service, along with a commuter jacket, helmet and a set of bike lights. https://www.facebook.com/SullyCycles/posts/2516263188589669
The Electric Bike Shop are offering free bicycle checks and maintenance for key workers, all labour included. https://www.theelectricbikeshop.co.uk/content/free-bicycle-checks-and-maintenance-for-key-workers.aspx
Taylored Cycles are offering a Key Worker Call Out Service to help you to keep commuting by bike. You will get a free basic tune-up service worth £40 (anything additional will need to be paid for separately). Book a call out: https://www.tayloredcycles.com/wecometoyou-mobile-bike-service/
Halfords are offering free bike services to NHS and emergency workers. https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-maintenance/cyclecare/free-bike-service-for-nhs%2Fhse-and-emergency-workers-429390.html
(Search more local offers here: www.sustrans.org.uk/campaigns/cycles-for-key-workers/)
From planning your route:
· Cycling UK have set up an easy online form for you to ask your council/councillor to increase space for cycling during lockdown: https://action.cyclinguk.org/page/59646/action/1?locale=en-GB
· Better by Bike journey planner allows you to map the fastest or quietest route to work. https://cycleplanner.betterbybike.info/route-planning
To arriving at work at NBT…
· Secure, staff access only cycle parking on site at NBT.
Remember to always be vigilant when parking your bike: Use a D-lock correctly by locking the wheel and bicycle frame to a cycle hoop.
· Dedicated change, shower and locker rooms.
· Emergency puncture repair kits, pumps and spare equipment (helmet, lock, lights subject to availability).
· Bicycle User Group (BUG) for keeping you up to date with news, events, giveaways and free monthly safety checks.
And when COVID-19 is no longer a risk to our community and the lockdown is lifted, the TravelSmart team will continue to offer support and advice for staff cycling to work.
So why not join Caroline and the other 19% of staff who cycle to work?
Contact us:
Email: TravelSmart@nbt.nhs.uk
Twitter: @NBTSustHealth
Picture 2: Caroline R. outside the Brunel Cycle Centre after using the Loan Bike scheme. Call: 0117 4142576 (currently unavailable via phone)
Comments