4th February 2016
A grant of £100,000 from the Trust has made it possible to extend the hugely popular Belfast Bikes public share scheme to our three main hospitals.
The grant, from charitable funds which are specifically for non-clinical purposes, will cover capital costs of installing docking stations at the three sites, as well as the first year’s running costs.
Promoting bike racks at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast City Hospital and the Mater Hospital, will provide a healthy and alternative travel option for staff and others who need to travel between hospital sites during the course of their working day when they come on-stream at our sites.
Funded Cycle Training
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has funded cycle training, being delivered by Sustrans from the end of January as part of the ‘Leading The Way’ programme. The free training will help skill up staff ahead of the launch of three new Belfast Bike Share docking stations earmarked for the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast City Hospital and the Mater Hospital.
The accredited training aims to equip anyone who can cycle with the confidence and skills to ride safely on the road. The idea is to encourage more staff to hop on the new bikes or their own bikes as part of their daily commute or travel between the Trust’s hospital and community sites.
Belfast Bike Share Scheme expanding
Bryan Nelson Co Director Public Health, Belfast Trust agrees: “As a healthcare provider, Belfast Trust works to improve health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. This training supports the Trust Travel Plan which promotes more sustainable forms of travel including cycling, it is a great opportunity for our staff to develop their cycling skills and ensure that they are cycling safely.”
For more information go to the Belfast Bikes website or visit the Belfast City Council website